East Bengal Enter AFC Challenge League Quarter-Finals With 3-2 Victory Over Nejmeh SC

East Bengal FC secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nejmeh SC of Lebanon in ir final Group A match of AFC Challenge League 2024-25, thanks to a brace from Dimitrios Diamantakos. This win propelled ISL team into knockout stage of competition. 

East Bengal topped Group A with seven points, having previously won 4-0 against Bashundhara Kings ( Banglesh ) and drawn 2-2 with Paro FC (Bhutan) in ir opening two matches. Diamantakos' double strike proved crucial in team's progression, solidifying East Bengal's position as Group A winners and paving way for ir vancement in tournament.

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East Bengal FC vs Nejmeh SC

East Bengal, who trailed Nejmeh by two points heing into this encounter, took le in eighth minute when Mih Talal's corner kick was invertently heed into his own net by Baba Musah at Changlimithang Stium in Thimphu.

Indian side took furr vantage of Nejmeh's slow start to double ir vantage in 15th minute when Diamantakos scored for third consecutive match when he prodded home a low cross from Mahesh Naorem.

A shell-shocked Nejmeh, who h won ir two earlier matches, fought back to quickly pull one back three minutes later when Rabih Ataya lobbed ball for Collins Opare to stab home past Prabsukhan Gill.

Lebanese side rediscovered its confidence and drew level two minutes before half-time when Hussein Monzer bent an unstoppable free-kick into top corner to set up an enticing second half.

Knowing defeat could mean elimination, both teams opted a more cautious approach in second half although Nejmeh were still able to create several good chances.

Hassan Kourani missed an open goal with a heer in 47th minute before furr efforts from Mahdi Zein and Ataya were safely handled by Gill as things remained level heing into final half an hour.

n came defining point when Talal was brought down in box by Ali Ismail with Thai referee Songkran Bunmeekiart pointing to spot. Diamantakos put away spot-kick with ease to restore East Bengal's le in 77th minute.

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Nejmeh tried to mount anor comeback and put East Bengal defence under pressure for remaining minutes but it was to no avail as Indian Super League outfit held on to take win and top spot.

East Bengal will now have to wait to find out ir quarter-final opponents after all AFC Challenge League group stage fixtures are over. two-legged quarter-finals will take place on March 5 and 12. 

(With PTI inputs)