East Bengal FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Jordanian Pro League champions Al Hussein SC in their opening Group D match of the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 at Amman International Stadium on September 17.
The Indian Super League champions led 2-0 at half-time with goals from Daniel Ramírez and Anwar Ali. However, Al Hussein scored twice in the second half to secure a draw in front of their home supporters, according to the All India Football Federation website.
This result marked a positive start for East Bengal, who progressed from the Preliminary Stage in August to reach the Group Stage. It was also the first point gained by an Indian club in Asia’s second-tier men’s club competition since it was rebranded as the ACL Two in 2024-25.
East Bengal opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Edmund Lalrindika’s effort took a deflection, allowing Al Hussein goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila to only palm the ball towards Ramírez, who scored.
Al Hussein then created several chances, with Aref Haitham firing just over the bar and Pedro Henrique’s powerful header saved by East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
Despite Al Hussein’s pressure, East Bengal nearly increased their lead in the 38th minute when Jay Gupta set up Lalrindika in the box, but Lalrindika shot over from close range.
East Bengal doubled their lead two minutes later after Ramírez’s corner was misjudged by Abulaila, and the ball deflected off Anwar Ali into the net.
In the second half, Al Hussein struggled initially with attempts from distance by Abdallah Nasib and Saleem Amer missing the target. Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute when Kharouba intercepted from Hardik Bhatt, advanced into the box, and set up captain Mahmoud Al Mardi to score.
Al Hussein completed their comeback in the 87th minute as a cross from Obaida Al Namarnah was converted by Ahmad Assaf.
East Bengal will next face Iraq’s Al Shorta SC on October 13 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.