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Dream Sports Championship: Kolkata Leg witnesses Penalty shootout drama as East Bengal qualify for National Final

East Bengal defeated United Sports Club in a marathon penalty shootout in the Kolkata leg of the Dream Sports Championship in Kolkata. East Bengal won the penalty shootout in sudden death.

Apr 7, 2024, 1:02 PM3 min read

East Bengal players after winning the final of the Kolkata leg of the tournament.

The Dream Sports Championship,  a pan-India U-17 football tournament which started on 1st April in Kolkata ended with a marathon game between East Bengal and United Sports Club. East Bengal FC defeated United Sports Club in a 9-8 marathon penalty after the game was drawn at 1-1 after full time.

The Kolkata Leg of the tournament saw many young players from five leading teams showcase their skills and talents. East Bengal topped Group A after dominating performances from the Red and Gold Brigade including a massive 7-0 victory over Ariadaha Sporting Club.

Read Also: IWL 2023-24 Exclusive: India's top-tier women's football tournament on grounds without a single grass

Meanwhile, United Sports Club came to the final after topping the group B. They defeated Bidhannagar Municipal Sports Academy on penalties in the final group game.

East Bengal drew the first blood in the final match as Ajay Sahani scored for them, continuing his form from the group stage. The first half ended with a 1-0 advantage to East Bengal as United kept on looking for the equaliser.

But, it was Sanib Orow who pulled things off as he equalised in the 77th minute for United Sports Club in the second half.

Read Also: Kerala Blasters vs East Bengal: Saul Crespo and Naorem Mahesh help Red & Gold Brigade thrash 9-men Kerala by 4-2 in the ISL 2023-24

At the end of the final 90 minutes, the game was drawn 1-1 and the game had to be decided with a penalty shootout. East Bengal goalkeeper Deep Barman gave them a great start as United missed their two opening penalties. However, United goalkeeper Debraj Sarkar took the game to sudden death with a brilliant save.

East Bengal coach Barun Sengupta pulled off a surprise when he replaced goalkeeper Deep with defender Prajjal Saha. This move seemed to throw United SC off their game and they missed their final penalty, handing the victory to their opponents. 

My players gave their 100%: East Bengal coach

“My players gave their 100% from the very beginning and played according to the plans perfectly. It was an honour to play in the Dream Sports Championship. Not only in Bengal, this tournament will benefit all upcoming U17 footballers across the country. Huge appreciation for organising this tournament.” opined Barun Sengupta, who was the coach of East Bengal.

“We entered the field thinking that we will be champions because that is the legacy of East Bengal. It was a brilliant effort, even by the United Sports Club. In 2023, we played just four matches. But we played as many matches in this tournament in the Dream Sports Championship, which is a step in the right direction. A lot of players lose their chance to play professionally because of a lack of infrastructure so I hope this tournament continues well into the future,” said Haru Roy, skipper of the winning team East Bengal.

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AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players

Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth won the Best Men's and Women's Player of the Year Awards, respectively, in the recently concluded AIFF Awards 2025. Here are all the winners this season.

May 2, 2025, 5:13 PM3 min read

AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players | sportzpoint.com

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) celebrated the best of Indian football at the AIFF Awards 2025, held today in Bhubaneswar, honouring outstanding players, coaches, referees, and member associations for their contributions during the 2024-25 season.

AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players | sportzpoint.com
Subhasish Bose recieving the Best Men's Footballer of the Year Award. Image | AIFF
AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players | sportzpoint.com
Soumya Guguloth won the Women's Footballer of the Year Award. Image | AIFF

The ceremony highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian football, with Mohun Bagan SG’s Subhasish Bose and East Bengal FC’s Soumya Guguloth crowned Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively. 

AIFF Awards 2025 Winners

Individual Awards

  • Men's Player of the Year: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG, Defender)
    • Recognised for his leadership as captain and stellar performances for Mohun Bagan SG as the mariners became the first team to defend the ISL Shield, along with reclaiming the ISL Cup. Bose kept 13 clean sheets as a defender and scored 6 goals as well. 
  • Women's Player of the Year: Soumya Guguloth (East Bengal FC, Forward)
    • Honoured as the top Indian scorer in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and a key player for the Blue Tigresses. She helped East Bengal FC win the IWL 2024-25 title.
  • Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
    • Awarded for holding the record for the most clean sheets in Indian Super League (ISL) history. Kaith had a record 15 clean sheets in ISL 2024-25 and conceded only 19 goals across 26 appearances
  • Most Promising Men's Player of the Year: Brison Fernandes (Midfielder)
    • Noted for his midfield mastery and potential as a rising star.
  • Most Promising Women's Player of the Year: Neha (Haryana, Winger)
    • Recognised for her performances, including 2 goals in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship and 3 goals in the Senior Women’s National Championship.
  • Men's Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)
    • Won for the second consecutive year for leading Jamshedpur FC to the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.
  • Women's Coach of the Year: Sujata Kar (Sreebhumi FC)
    • Awarded for guiding newly-promoted Sreebhumi FC to a third-place finish in the IWL.
  • Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
    • Acknowledged for consistent officiating on the pitch.
  • Female Referee of the Year: Tekcham Ranjita Devi
    • Recognised for her officiating excellence.
  • Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
  • Male Assistant Referee of the Year: Vairamuthu P

Member Association (MA) Awards

  • Most Successful MA (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)
    • For dominance in men’s competitions, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal winning major titles.
  • Most Successful MA (NFC Competitions): All Manipur Football Association
    • Recognised for success in the National Football Championships.
  • Best MA for Supporting Women’s Football: Punjab Football Association
    • Honoured for contributions to women’s football development.
  • Best MA for Hosting Most AIFF Competitions: Football Association of Odisha and Goa Football Association
    • For hosting numerous AIFF events.
  • MA with Most Player Registrations (Men’s): Kerala Football Association
    • For the highest number of male player registrations.
  • MA with Most Player Registrations (Women’s): Western India Football Association (Maharashtra)
    • For leading in female player registrations.
  • Special Award for MA Launching New Projects: Gujarat State Football Association
    • For innovative football initiatives.
  • MA with Most Grassroots Activities: Gujarat State Football Association
    • For extensive grassroots programs.
  • MA with Most Youth Tournaments Conducted: Karnataka State Football Association
    • For organising numerous youth tournaments.
  • MA with Most Coaching Courses: Punjab Football Association
    • For conducting the most coaching courses.
  • MA with Most Refereeing Courses: Gujarat State Football Association
    • For leading in referee training programs.
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Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Kerala Blasters beat East Bengal by 2-0 in the opening match

Kerala Blasters FC started their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on a high note by beating the defending champions East Bengal by 2-0 in Bhubaneshwar.

Apr 20, 2025, 5:02 PM2 min read

Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Kerala Blasters beat East Bengal by 2-0 in the opening match | sportzpoint.com

Kerala Blasters FC started their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on a high note by knocking out defending champions East Bengal by 2-0 in Bhubaneshwar on Sunday. Noah Sadaoui and Jesús Jiménez scored the goals for the Kerala Blasters as they outplayed the Kolkata side. 

With this defeat, East Bengal FC's season ended on a sad note after an overwhelming finish in the Indian Super League 2024-25. 

Jesús Jiménez opened the scoring for Kerala as he found the back of the net from a penalty in the 40th minute of the match. In the second half, Noah Sadaoui extended the lead for the Manjapadas in the 64th minute to hand them an easy win. 

Blasters looked threatening from the word go as Jesus nearly scored from Noah's delivery in the second minute of the game. They kept on applying the pressure, but could not find the end result despite a few chances created by Noah. 

But it wasn't until the 40th minute that Jesus Jimenez stepped up to take the penalty after Gill made a foul inside the box. 

In the 64th minute, Noah scored a screamer of a goal to extend the lead, which was eventually good enough for them to qualify for the quarter-finals. 

Noah Sadaoui was the player of the match in Kerala Blasters FC vs East Bengal FC match in Super Cup 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Noah Sadaoui was the player of the match. Image | KBFC on X

Kerala Blasters will now face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarter-final on 26th April. For those who do not know, Mohun Bagan SG will play from the quarter-final directly after they received a bye in the round of 16. 

"Today, the team showed me that they still have something inside, and they wanted to compete and do their best. I’m proud of them cuz the work they’ve done is amazing. We’ll have to see about Luna. He felt that it wasn’t good and asked for a change. We’ll see," Balsters' coach David Catala said after the win. 

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IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Apr 18, 2025, 3:53 PM2 min read

IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up | sportzpoint.com

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Already assured of the title before kickoff, the Red and Golds showcased their supremacy by defeating every team in the league en route to the championship, with all three goals coming in an explosive first half.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Elshaddai Acheampong

The star of the show was Elshaddai Acheampong, who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After missing earlier chances, including a header from five yards in the 19th minute, the Ghanaian forward made amends with a clinical finish, chipping the goalkeeper after a deft move past defenders following a pass from Anju Tamang.

Read Also | 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up

Her poacher’s instinct shone again in the 37th minute, tapping in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu at the back post to double the lead. Minutes before halftime, Soumya Guguloth sealed the rout in the 42nd minute, rounding the keeper to score after a perfectly timed through ball.

Read Also | Beatrice Chebet becomes the first woman to run 5km under 14 minutes in Barcelona

Despite the title already in hand, East Bengal displayed remarkable professionalism, dominating possession and stifling Gokulam from the outset. The second half saw Gokulam mount a brief challenge, testing goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with a long-range effort, but the champions held firm. This win marked the only team East Bengal had yet to beat this season, completing a flawless campaign.

The victory underscored East Bengal’s dominance throughout the season, blending skill, composure, and relentless attacking play.

IWL 2024-25: Gokulam Kerala finished as runners-up | sportzpoint.com

For Gokulam, the defeat highlighted their struggle against the league’s top side, as East Bengal celebrated a perfect end to their triumphant IWL 2024-25 journey.

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NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal Highlights ISL 2024-25 | Despite two controversial goals, NorthEast run riot over East Bengal | FT NEUFC 4-0 EBFC

Catch the highlights of the NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal match in ISL 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.

Mar 8, 2025, 1:29 PM1 min read

NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal LIVE Updates ISL 2024-25 Live Scores, News and Commentary-sportzpoint.com

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League 2024-25. This evening, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the thrilling encounter between NorthEast United FC and East Bengal FC at the  Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

NorthEast United are currently positioned fifth on the leaderboard with 35 points in 23 games. On the total contrary, East Bengal are positioned eighth, having earned 28 points in 23 matches.

This evening, both teams will take the field for the last league stage game of the 2024-25 season. However, the Highlanders will look to progress on the league table, whereas the Red and Gold Brigade have nothing to lose, as they are already out of the qualification race.

 So, sit back and enjoy the match as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary tonight.

This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

LIVE Updates

Mar 8, 2025, 1:30 PM

ISL 2024-25 table after this game

NorthEast and East Bengal wrap up their ISL 2024-25 league stage campaign.

Standings provided by Sofascore

Mar 8, 2025, 1:24 PM

90'+6' | Here goes the final whistle! | FT NEUFC 4-0 EBFC

Image

Mar 8, 2025, 1:23 PM

90'+4' | Chance for Ajaraie

Ajaraie was eyeing his hat-trick, as he followed Bemammer's long ball on the left, but struck the ball only to rattle the crossbar! 

Mar 8, 2025, 1:19 PM

90' | 5 minutes of stoppage time added on

Mar 8, 2025, 1:19 PM

90' | Substitution for East Bengal

In: Muhammed Roshal

Out: Jesin TK

Mar 8, 2025, 1:18 PM

89' | Off target for Danny

Ajaraie fooled Suman with a beautiful dribbling skill and sent the ball into the box, but Danny's strike went over the crossbar!

Mar 8, 2025, 1:17 PM

87' | Substitutions for NorthEast United

In: Danny Meitei, Arshaf, Bekey Oram

Out: Dinesh Singh, Nestor Albiach, Guillermo Fernandez

Mar 8, 2025, 1:16 PM

86' | GOALLL! Bemammer scores the fourth! | NEUFC 4-0 EBFC

Debjit punched the ball away, as East Bengal's defensive error led the ball to Bemammer. The Moroccan midfielder fired the ball into the net with a powerful right-footed strike from a distance!

Mar 8, 2025, 1:13 PM

84' | Second yellow for Tanmay

Tanmay Das gets the second yellow for committing another foul, and he is sent off.

East Bengal are down to ten men.

Mar 8, 2025, 1:09 PM

78' | GOAL. Ajaraie converts! | NEUFC 3-0 EBFC

Alaaeddine Ajaraie has completed his brace, as his low strike from the spot beat Debjit through the bottom-right corner.

Mar 8, 2025, 1:06 PM

76' | Penalty for NorthEast!

Tanmoy Das seemingly fouled Alaaeddine Ajaraie inside the penalty area, as the referee whistled for a penalty!

Well, the TV replay clearly shows it was a minimal connection. That cannot be a penalty.

Another unfair decision against the Kolkata giants.

Mar 8, 2025, 1:04 PM

75' | Substitutions for East Bengal

In: Sayan Banerjee, Anandhu Nambrath Sundran

Out: Hira Mondal, PV Vishnu

Mar 8, 2025, 1:02 PM

73' | Close chance for Guillermo!

Guillermo Fernandez found himself in a one on one situation with Debjit, but his strike went inches off the far post!

Mar 8, 2025, 12:59 PM

66' | Yellow for Tanmoy

Tanmoy Das received a booking.

Mar 8, 2025, 12:58 PM

Milestone alert!

Mar 8, 2025, 12:57 PM

66' | GOALLL! Ajaraie finds the net! | NEUFC 2-0 EBFC

Craziness here at Shillong!

Macarton headed the ball on target, but the second ball was taken down by Macarton with his hand. Debjit made a save but the rebound was powerfully slotted in by Ajaraie!

However, this was a clear handball and East Bengal players also appealed strongly, but the goal stands.

It is another unfair decision against East Bengal.

Mar 8, 2025, 12:54 PM

65' | Debjit stays resilient!

Bemammer took a first-time grounded strike that was well-stopped by Debjit!

Mar 8, 2025, 12:50 PM

59' | GOALLL! Nestor finally finds the net! | NEUFC 1-0 EBFC

Nestor Albiach has found the breakthrough for NorthEast!

Ajaraie backheeled a pass to Tondonba running on the left, who delivered a low cross inside the box that was slotted inside with a swift touch from Nestor Albiach.

Mar 8, 2025, 12:45 PM

56' | Another great stop from Debjit!

Nestor Albiach chipped the ball from inside a crowd on the right, but Debjit made a huge stop on a full stretch!

Mar 8, 2025, 12:40 PM

51' | Yellow for Suman

Suman Dey received a booking for a foul.

Mar 8, 2025, 12:39 PM

50' | Chance for NorthEast

Parthib Gogoi entered the box from the left, as he cut inside and attempted a shot, but the ball soared over the crossbar!

Mar 8, 2025, 12:38 PM

46' | Second half begins

Mar 8, 2025, 12:34 PM

Half-time substitutions | NorthEast United

In: Parthib Gogoi, Robin Yadav

Out: Mayakkannan, Sumit Rathi

Mar 8, 2025, 12:19 PM

45'+4' | The half-time whistle is blown | HT NEUFC 0-0 EBFC

Image

Mar 8, 2025, 12:17 PM

45'+1' | Good effort from Jesin

Jesin TK dribbled past the opposition defender to cut inside and slotted a left-footed shot from the right, but it went over the crossbar.

Mar 8, 2025, 12:16 PM

45' | 3 minutes of added time announced

Mar 8, 2025, 12:15 PM

44' | Chance for East Bengal

Cleiton cut NorthEast's defence in halves with a forward pass from the top of the box, which was followed by David, but he fell down as Mirshad came forward to make a collection.

Mar 8, 2025, 12:12 PM

41' | Marvellous save from Mirshad!

PV Vishnu received the long ball from Hira Mondal from the down the middle. Vishnu entered the penalty area from the left as he cut inside and unleashed a right-footed inswing curler that was punched over the crossbar by Mirshad!

Such brilliance from both Vishnu and Mirshad!

Mar 8, 2025, 12:10 PM

40' | Chance for NorthEast

Ajaraie tried to test his luck with a quick and powerful strike, but the ball got deflected.

Mar 8, 2025, 12:07 PM

37' | Good stop from Debjit

The long-ranger effort from Nestor Albiach from a distance was calmly stopped and grabbed by the East Bengal custodian.

Mar 8, 2025, 12:03 PM

32' | What a save from Debjit!

Ajaraie delivered a vicious cross from the left, as Nestor Albiach got to the end of it to power an on-target header. Debjit stopped the shot from going in with a brilliant punch, sending the ball over the crossbar!

Mar 8, 2025, 12:02 PM

32' | Easy catch for Mirshad

This time Cleiton kept his shot on target, but Mirshad made a routine collection.

Mar 8, 2025, 11:56 AM

25' | So close for Guillermo!

Receiving a long ball from the middle of the park, Guillermo followed it up to the touchline and slotted a strike, but the ball only went past the target.

Lucky survival for East Bengal!

Mar 8, 2025, 11:53 AM

22' | Yellow for Dinesh

Dinesh Singh gets booked for a foul.

Mar 8, 2025, 11:53 AM

22' | Off target from Cleiton

Cleiton Silva soared the set-piece free-kick just inches over the crosspiece.

Mar 8, 2025, 11:52 AM

17' | Chance for East Bengal

David unleashed an ambitious long-ranger from the left, but the ball went too high over the crossbar!

Mar 8, 2025, 11:44 AM

13' | Chance for Bemammer

Dinesh headed the ball into the box from the right, which was anticipated by Bemammer in the center of the box, but his acrobatic volleyed effort went over the target.

Mar 8, 2025, 11:43 AM

12' | Wide from Nestor

Nestor Albiach attempted a strike following a second ball off a free-kick move, but his shot deflected off the opposition defence.

Mar 8, 2025, 11:38 AM

7' | Great block from Debjit

Following a corner, Dinesh Singh tried to find the back of the net with a grounded strike from the left, but Debjit Majumder made a crucial save.

Mar 8, 2025, 11:30 AM

1' | Kick Off!

NorthEast gets things going in Shillong!

Mar 8, 2025, 11:25 AM

Minutes away from the kick-off

Mar 8, 2025, 11:24 AM

Final warm-up

Mar 8, 2025, 10:43 AM

Line-up | East Bengal FC

Starting XI: Debjit Majumder (GK); Suman Dey, Chaku Mandi, Mark Zothanpuia, Nishu Kumar; PV Vishnu, Tanmay Das, Cleiton Silva, Hira Mondal; David Lalhlansanga, Jesin TK

Subs: Aditya, Sundran, Koustav, Sayan, Roshal, Bijay

Head Coach: Oscar Bruzon

Mar 8, 2025, 10:40 AM

Line-up | NorthEast United FC

Starting XI: Mirshad Michu (GK); Redeem Tlang, Soraisham Dinesh Singh, Sumit Rathi, Tondonba Singh; Mohammed Ali Bemammer; Mayakkannan, Noah Albiach, Macarton Nickson; Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Guillermo Fernandez

Subs: Gurmeet, Parthib, Robin, Jithin, Thoi, Bekey, Arshaf, Danny, Samte

Head Coach: Juan Pedro Benali

Mar 8, 2025, 8:21 AM

Earlier this season

On November 29th, 2024, East Bengal FC defeated NorthEast United 1-0 in the reverse fixture at the VYBK in Kolkata. Dimitrios Diamantakos scored the only goal, whereas East Bengal's Lalchungnunga and NorthEast's Bemammer both were sent off in the heated game.

Mar 8, 2025, 8:16 AM

Looking to end the campaign on a high

Mar 8, 2025, 8:16 AM

Determined

Mar 8, 2025, 8:13 AM

Tonight's venue | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.

Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati

Mar 8, 2025, 8:12 AM

How to watch the match?

Football fans in India can watch the game in ISL 2024-25 on Star Sports Network, Sports18 3 TV Channel, the JioHotstar App, and the JioHotstar website.

Mar 8, 2025, 8:11 AM

Match Details

Match: NorthEast United FC vs East Bengal FC

Date: 8 March 2025

Time: 5:00 pm IST

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong

Next Article

East Bengal 0-1 FK Arkadag AFC Challenge League 2024-25 Match Report: East Bengal face defeat in the first leg of the Quarter-final tie in Kolkata

Following an early strike from Arkadag's Gurbanov, East Bengal failed to pull things off in the first leg of the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 quarter-finals in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Mar 5, 2025, 6:12 PM4 min read

East Bengal 0-1 FK Arkadag AFC Challenge League 2024-25 Match Report: East Bengal face defeat in the first leg of the Quarter-final tie in Kolkata-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Debasish Bhaduri/The Hindu)

East Bengal FC faced a narrow 0-1 defeat against FK Arkadag in the first of the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 Quarter-final tie in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Arkadag's Gurbanov had drawn the first blood in the opening minutes, which was enough for the Turkmen side to snatch a narrow 1-0 victory. On the other hand, the Kolkata giants failed to pull off a goal in the first leg, and will face Arkadag in the reverse fixture with a one-goal deficit.

Early strike from the visitors

East Bengal 0-1 FK Arkadag AFC Challenge League 2024-25 Match Report: East Bengal face defeat in the first leg of the Quarter-final tie in Kolkata-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Debasish Bhaduri/The Hindu)

East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon named five foreigners in the starting line-up for the clash against Arkadag. The Turkmen champions, in fact, have no foreign players in their squad and fielded an entirely Turkmen eleven.

Although East Bengal started things in a slow composure, Richard Celis and Rafael Messi Bouli combined up in the front to create some threat, but the team faced an early setback in the 10th minute of the game.

Yazgylych Gurbanov anticipated the ball in a sudden revival by Durdiyev Didar from the midfield, as the Arkadag midfielder slotted the ball home through the left-bottom corner with a precise grounded strike.

Persistent efforts from East Bengal afterwards

East Bengal 0-1 FK Arkadag AFC Challenge League 2024-25 Match Report: East Bengal face defeat in the first leg of the Quarter-final tie in Kolkata-sportzpoint.com
Richard Celis in action against Arkadag. (Image Credit | EBFC on X)

East Bengal quickly tried to buckle up and managed some scoring opportunities in the upcoming minutes. However, despite multiple entries in the final third, East Bengal failed to open the account against a robust Arkadag defence. 

Lalchungnunga delivered a vicious cross from the left in the 21st minute of the game, which was punched away by Arkadag keeper Charyyev Rasul, denying East Bengal attackers in the final third. East Bengal received two back-to-back opportunities from corners in the 40th minute, but the set-pieces went wasted.

East Bengal 0-1 FK Arkadag AFC Challenge League 2024-25 Match Report: East Bengal face defeat in the first leg of the Quarter-final tie in Kolkata-sportzpoint.com
Messi Bouli had put up efforts in the final third. (Image Credit | ISL Website)

Meanwhile, Gurbanov had a chance to extend the lead in the 45th minute of the game, but Gill stayed alert to deny a swift header.

Messi Bouli had an opportunity in the added minutes, but failed to convert it, as the opening half ended with East Bengal trailing 0-1.

East Bengal continued to find the breakthrough in the second half

East Bengal 0-1 FK Arkadag AFC Challenge League 2024-25 Match Report: East Bengal face defeat in the first leg of the Quarter-final tie in Kolkata-sportzpoint.com
Saul Crespo had some chances in the second half. (Image Credit | EBFC on X)

Bruzon’s team tried to capitalize on space in the second half, with Saul Crespo and Naorem Mahesh Singh in midfield, and Raphael Messi Bouli accompanying Dimitrios Diamantakos up front. Unfortunately, the lack of precision in the final third led to the heartbreaking defeat against Arkadag.

Saul Crespo had two chances to equalize in the 71st minute, but his first shot was blocked, and the second missed the target as the East Bengal skipper was almost down to the ground. PV Vishnu, who has been impactful this season, replaced Celis and had a chance to score but soared the ball over the crosspiece in the 75th minute.

Despite Bruzon's efforts in bringing on Silva and Nishu Kumar, the FC Arkadag defenders effectively limited East Bengal's scoring opportunities. The final chance came again for Crespo, set up by Vishnu’s cutback, but FC Arkadag goalkeeper Charyyev Rasul reacted quickly to deny him.

(Image Credit | Debasish Bhaduri/The Hindu)

Arkadag will host East Bengal in the Nusay Stadium in Ashgabat on March 12th for the return leg to seal the passage for the semi-finals of the inaugural AFC Challenge League 2024-25.

Brief Scores

East Bengal FC: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (GK); Mohammad Rakip (Nishu Kumar), Lalchungnunga, Hector Yuste; Souvik Chakrabarti, Saul Crespo, Jeakson Singh, Naorem Mahesh, Richard Celis (PV Vishnu), Dimitrios Diamantakos (Cleiton Silva), Rafael Messi Bouli

FC Arkadag: Charyyev Rasul, Guychmyrat Annagulyyev, Mekan Saparov, Basimov Abdy, Mammedov Ybrayym, Yazgylych Gurbanov (Enver Annayev), Mirza Beknazarov (Shamammet Hydyrow), Hojayav Resul (Ahmet Atayev), Begench Akmamedov (Velmyrat Ballakov), Durdiyev Didar, Tirkishov Shanazar.

Full-time score | East Bengal FC 0-1 FK Arkadag (Gurbanov 10')

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