East Bengal ACL 2
East Bengal FC have secured their place in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage after defeating Kuwait’s Al Arabi SC 4-1 in the preliminary round.
The qualification marks the club’s return to the competition after more than a decade. Under new head coach Antonio Lopez Habas, East Bengal will now face three challenging opponents in Group D.
The Kolkata-based club have been drawn alongside Jordanian champions Al Hussein SC, Iraqi giants Al Shorta SC and Omani champions Al Seeb Club.
With the ISL title defence also approaching later in the year, East Bengal will have a demanding schedule on both domestic and continental fronts.
Al Hussein SC are among the strongest teams in the group. The Jordanian side have won the country’s top-flight league title three consecutive times.
They have also established themselves as a competitive force in Asian club football. Al Hussein reached the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League 2 in the 2024-25 season before progressing to the quarter-finals the following season.
The club are known for their attacking approach and high defensive line. Their squad also includes players with significant international experience.
East Bengal vs Al Hussein fixtures:
Iraq’s Al Shorta SC will be another major test for East Bengal. The historic club have won the Iraqi Stars League eight times, with their most recent title coming in the 2024-25 season.
Known as “The Harp”, Al Shorta have considerable continental experience. They reached the semi-finals of the Arab Champions League during the 2023-24 season.
Iraq international goalkeeper Jalal Hassan is among the club’s notable players.
East Bengal vs Al Shorta fixtures:
Oman’s Al Seeb Club complete the Group D line-up.
Al Seeb have dominated Omani domestic football in recent years, winning four Oman Professional League titles over the last five seasons. The club also won the AFC Cup four years ago.
A significant number of Al Seeb players are regular members of the Oman national team. The side is particularly effective when attacking through the wings and is capable of quickly transitioning back into a defensive shape.
That could create an interesting tactical battle against East Bengal, who can be dangerous on the counter-attack.
However, East Bengal can take some encouragement from India’s recent success against Al Seeb. FC Goa defeated the Omani side 2-1 in August 2025 to qualify for the AFC Champions League 2 group stage.
East Bengal vs Al Seeb fixtures:
East Bengal will therefore have three home fixtures in the group stage and three away matches.
The Kolkata club will need consistency against all three opponents if they are to finish at the top of Group D and progress to the knockout stage.
For Habas and his squad, the AFC Champions League 2 campaign represents an important opportunity to establish East Bengal as a stronger force in Asian club football.
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