East Bengal kicked off their AFC Challenge League 2024-25 campaign with a determined 2-2 draw against Paro FC at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan. Despite an early lead courtesy of Madih Talal, the Kolkata giants conceded twice in the first half. However, a crucial equaliser from Dimitrios Diamantakos saved the team from a defeat in their tournament opener.
Paro started the game with a strong attacking approach, creating some early chances. However, it was the visitors who struck first, thanks to their star midfielder, Madih Talal. Captain Saul delivered a low cross, which Talal expertly directed into the bottom-left corner. The lead was short-lived as just minutes later, Provat Lakra’s tackle on Paro forward Evans Asante in the box led to a penalty for the home side. William Opoku converted from the spot, levelling the score at 1-1 within eight minutes of play.
Notably, Opoku, the Ghanaian striker, had previously scored against East Bengal while playing for Minerva Punjab in the 2018/19 I-League season. Both teams pushed forward in a fast-paced, open match with numerous attempts to capitalise on scoring chances. In the 19th minute, East Bengal defender Lalchungnunga replaced an injured Lakra. Given the high-altitude conditions, both teams gradually lowered the tempo to conserve energy.
Just as it looked like the first half would end 1-1, Paro broke through with a counter-attack in added time. Asante used his speed to break down East Bengal’s defence. Goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill came out to challenge him, but Asante slipped the ball past him, giving Paro a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
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In the second half, the home team intensified their attack, creating several chances. East Bengal’s star striker, Dimitrios Diamantakos, grew visibly frustrated at the lack of quality passes to convert into goals. However, against the flow of the game, Diamantakos levelled the score in the 69th minute, connecting with a low cross from Nandhakumar Sekar.
With the equaliser, EB fans hoped the team would push for a winning goal, but that didn’t unfold. Instead, Paro persistently pressed into East Bengal’s defensive third, keeping the visitors’ defenders under pressure. In the six minutes of added time, East Bengal had a final chance to clinch the game. Diamantakos attempted a lob, but Paro’s goalkeeper, Milos Cupic, made a brave save, denying the Greek forward.
The match ended in a draw, a missed opportunity for Oscar Bruzon’s East Bengal, who desperately needed a morale boost following a poor run in the Indian Super League. The stalemate leaves fans unsatisfied as the team heads into upcoming critical clashes. However, some East Bengal players were visibly displeased with the referees after the game, expressing frustration over certain decisions.
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