East Bengal FC secured their place in the knockout stage of the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nejmeh SC of Lebanon in their final Group A match. The Indian Super League side finished as group winners with seven points, having previously defeated Bashundhara Kings and drawn with Paro FC.
Dimitrios Diamantakos was the hero for East Bengal, scoring a brace to lead his team to victory. The Greek striker opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Nejmeh defender Baba Musah inadvertently headed a corner kick into his own net. Diamantakos doubled East Bengal’s advantage in the 15th minute, tapping home a low cross from Mahesh Naorem.
Nejmeh fought back to level the match before halftime, with goals from Collins Opare and Hussein Monzer. However, East Bengal regained the lead in the 77th minute when Diamantakos converted a penalty after Madih Talal was brought down in the box.
Despite Nejmeh’s efforts to mount another comeback, East Bengal held on to secure the win and top spot in the group. The Indian side will now await their quarter-final opponents, which will be determined after the completion of all AFC Challenge League group stage fixtures.
The victory was a significant achievement for East Bengal, who are making their debut in the AFC Challenge League. The Indian Super League outfit will be hoping to continue their impressive run in the knockout stage and make a deep run in the competition.
