East Bengal FC Makes History with First Indian Point in AFC Champions League Two

On 16 September 2026, East Bengal FC, the reigning ISL champions, travelled to face Jordanian Pro League champions Al Hussein SC in the Group D opener of the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 at the Amman International Stadium. The match ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, giving the Red and Gold Brigade a hard-earned point on the road and a piece of history for Indian football.

How the Match Unfolded in Amman

East Bengal made a dream start, opening the scoring in the 9th minute. Edmund Lalrindika's effort bounced awkwardly for Al Hussein goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila, who could only palm the ball towards Daniel Ramírez, and the forward tucked it home. The Indian side doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Ramírez's corner delivery from the right was misjudged by Abulaila, the ball striking Anwar Ali on the shoulder and landing in the net for a 2-0 half-time lead. AIFF match report

Al Hussein, backed by their home fans, mounted a second-half comeback. Captain Mahmoud Al Mardi pulled one back in the 61st minute after Kharouba won possession from Hardik Bhatt and cut the ball back into the box. The equaliser arrived in the 87th minute when Ahmad Assaf steered in Obaida Al Namarnah's cross from the left flank. East Bengal also had goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill to thank for a key first-half save from Pedro Henrique's powerful header.

Why the Draw Is Historic for Indian Football

The result marked the first point earned by an Indian club in Asia's second-tier men's club competition since it was rebranded from the AFC Cup to the AFC Champions League Two in 2024-25. It is worth noting the distinction: the ACL Two is the renamed second-tier tournament, sitting below the elite AFC Champions League Elite. East Bengal reached the Group Stage by navigating the Preliminary Stage in August, and this opening point gives the ISL champions a solid platform in Group D.

What Comes Next for East Bengal

East Bengal's second group fixture is a home tie against Iraq's Al Shorta SC on 13 October 2026 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. Converting the momentum from Amman into a home victory would significantly boost their chances of progressing from the group.

Fixture	Date	Venue
Al Hussein SC 2-2 East Bengal FC	16 September 2026	Amman International Stadium, Jordan
East Bengal FC vs Al Shorta SC	13 October 2026	Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata