East Bengal Salvage Draw in AFC Challenge League Opener
East Bengal’s AFC Challenge League campaign got off to a thrilling start as they salvaged a crucial 2-2 draw against Bhutan’s Paro FC. The Indian Super League side showed resilience to come back from a 2-1 deficit at halftime, with Dimitrios Diamantakos scoring a vital equaliser in the second half.
East Bengal made a bright start to the match, taking the lead in the 5th minute through Madih Talal. The Syrian forward converted Saul Crespo’s precise cutback to put the visitors ahead. However, Paro FC responded quickly, with William Opoku equalising from the penalty spot just three minutes later.
The home side continued to press forward, testing East Bengal’s defence with long-range efforts from Koki Narita and Tomoyuki Unno. Paro’s persistence paid off in stoppage time, when Evans Asante capitalised on a swift counterattack to give them a 2-1 lead at the break.
In the second half, East Bengal pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Kazuo Homma nearly extended Paro’s lead with a close-range header, but Diamantakos responded with a shot that went wide. The Greek forward made no mistake with his next opportunity, however, coolly finishing Nandhakumar Sekar’s pinpoint cross in the 69th minute.
East Bengal continued to press for a winner, but Paro FC held firm to secure a share of the spoils. The Indian side will now look ahead to their next Group A clash against Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings on Tuesday, aiming to build on this hard-earned draw.