How does it feel to see your team win after nine games? Just ask an East Bengal fan – they would know. From kicking off this season with high hopes, to an early Durand Cup exit and still waiting for a first win in the ISL, East Bengal’s loyal fans have seen it all. Yet, they’ve held on, some even traveling to Bhutan to cheer from the stands for a full 90 minutes. That’s the essence of being a true fan: when the odds are against you, a win becomes that much sweeter. Right now, East Bengal fans are praying that this is the start of a turnaround.
The team’s recent 4-0 win over Bangladeshi side Bashundhara FC in Bhutan has given a glimmer of hope in the AFC Challenge League 2024. If they can defeat Lebanon’s Nejmeh FC in the final group-stage clash, they could secure a spot in the next round as group leaders – potentially the best Diwali gift for their fans.
Despite a busy summer transfer window, where East Bengal signed nine new players – second only to Chennaiyin FC – the season has been a rough ride. However, after a convincing display against Bashundhara FC, there’s a feeling that things might be turning around. This team has the talent to be a top contender, boasting both last season’s top assist-provider and the highest goal-scorer. All they need now is confidence.
Back-to-back defeats in the ISL have taken a mental toll, and the players have begun to feel like winning is an increasingly tough task. A victory like this could help restore the team’s self-belief.
Injuries have been another issue plaguing the team since the start of the season. Dimitrios Diamantakos, Mohammed Rakip, Nishu Kumar, and other key players have been injured, forcing the coach to make makeshift changes to the starting XI. Pravat Lakra limped off the pitch in the first AFC Challenge Cup group-stage clash against Paro FC, and just as he recovered, reliable centre-back Hector Yuste picked up an injury against Bashundhara Kings. If East Bengal are to succeed this year, they’ll need fewer injuries, or the road ahead may become even tougher.
A positive sign for East Bengal has been the goal-scoring form of Diamantakos. The Greek forward has found the net in each of the last three games, hinting that he might be hitting his stride. Since the start of the season, East Bengal have struggled for goals, as Diamantakos initially couldn’t replicate the form he had shown with Kerala Blasters. Additionally, Cleiton Silva is experiencing one of his toughest seasons. But if Diamantakos can continue his scoring streak, East Bengal might not have to worry much about finding the back of the net.
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A strong bench is always a plus for any team with championship aspirations. Unfortunately, East Bengal’s substitutes have yet to live up to the faith their coach has placed in them. Since the start of the season, there have only been two instances where a substitute has made an impact: PV Vishnu scored in the second half against Kerala Blasters, and David Lalhlansanga netted against FC Goa. Despite these efforts, East Bengal lost both games, and the lack of reliable bench strength remains a concern.
Bench players like Sayan Bannerjee, Jesin TK, and Vishnu showed promise last season but are still looking to make their mark this time around. Coaches always need a reliable Plan B, and for that, they count on impactful substitutes. It’s crucial for East Bengal’s reserves to step up when called upon.
East Bengal now faces Nejmeh SC on November 1 in a must-win clash. A victory could provide much-needed momentum as they gear up to resume their ISL campaign against Mohammedan SC on November 9. Their cross-town rivals have also struggled recently, with three consecutive losses.
With their backs against the wall, East Bengal fans are looking for a new dawn, and this could just be the beginning of that journey.
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