Poor finishing has been a bane for East Bengal in their maiden AFC Champions League 2 campaign. At the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday, it hurt them deeper as Al Seeb pumped in two late goals.
And that also marked East Bengal’s virtual exit from the competition.
In both halves, East Bengal had their share of opportunities in what was a must-win clash for them to keep knockout hopes alive. Captain Mohammed Rashid, Daniel Ramirez and Edmund Lalrindika had opportune moments, only to squander the chances one after another.
The Oman-based team, which was at the bottom of the standings in group D before Tuesday’s game, looked average for most part of the contest. But East Bengal’s errors in the 18-yard circle provided them with oxygen, till they stunned the hosts by taking the lead minutes before regulation time.
Axel Meye, off Hassan Ahmed’s assist, evaded substitute Sandip Mandy and unleashed a right-footer home to make it 1-0 for Al Seeb.
Minutes before the final whistle, Meye sent in a long ball for substitute Zahir Sulaiman on the left, and the latter ensured a neat finish to seal the deal.
Anwar injury
Anwar Ali’s condition is also a matter of concern for East Bengal. It was just after the half-hour mark when the India defender suddenly sat on the ground with what looked to be a hamstring pull. He eventually came off the ground in the 34th minute, to be replaced by Mandi.
The task becomes stiffer for the rest of the East Bengal defence as Anwar appears doubtful for their next game, which is an away ISL clash against Chennaiyin FC on Saturday. India coach Khalid Jamil, too, will be a worried man as this makes Anwar uncertain for India’s Fifa international friendlies against New Zealand on November 12 and 15 in Auckland and Christchurch, respectively.