East Bengal FC, the historic Kolkata club, is on the verge of a monumental opportunity in the AFC Champions League 2. On August 14th at 7:00 PM IST, they will face Altyn Asyr from Turkmenistan in a preliminary round clash at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata. The stakes are high, as a victory would secure their spot in the group stage of the prestigious Asian competition.
East Bengal is one of only two Indian clubs to have qualified for the AFC Champions League 2 tournament, the other being Mohun Bagan Super Giant. While Mohun Bagan secured direct entry to the group stage due to their Indian Super League title win, East Bengal had to earn their place through a grueling path.
The winner of the Super Cup is awarded the second Indian berth in the AFC Champions League 2, but must navigate a preliminary round to reach the group stage. East Bengal, having won the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 against Odisha FC in extra time, secured their spot in this crucial preliminary round.
Their journey to the Super Cup title was impressive. East Bengal topped their group, defeated Jamshedpur FC in the semi-final, and ultimately emerged victorious against Odisha FC in the final, ending a 12-year wait for a national title. Striker Cleiton Silva was instrumental in their success, leading the tournament in scoring with five goals.
Now, the focus shifts to the AFC Champions League 2. East Bengal FC will need to be at their best to overcome Altyn Asyr and claim a coveted spot in the group stage. The entire nation will be cheering them on as they strive to make their mark on the Asian footballing landscape.
