East Bengal face Al Arabi test in AFC Champions League Two qualifier

KOLKATA: Defending Indian Super League champions East Bengal face a difficult continental test on Wednesday when they host Kuwaiti league runners-up Al Arabi in an AFC Champions League Two preliminary-stage knockout match at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

East Bengal return to continental competition after featuring in the AFC Challenge League during the 2024-25 season.

The Kolkata club will be looking to go one step further this time after previously falling short of reaching the AFC Champions League Two group stage.

East Bengal were eliminated in the qualifying round by Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr, ending their hopes of advancing to the second-tier Asian club competition.

Al Arabi, meanwhile, arrive in Kolkata after finishing runners-up in the Kuwaiti league and will provide a stern challenge for the Indian side.

The preliminary-stage tie is part of the qualification process for the AFC Champions League Two, with the winner advancing to the group stage of the continental tournament.

Playing at home will give East Bengal an advantage as they seek to make a strong start to their Asian campaign, but Al Arabi’s experience and domestic record will make them formidable opponents.

The match also represents an opportunity for East Bengal to demonstrate the progress of Indian club football against established opposition from the Gulf region.