East Bengal FC surrendered a two-goal half-time lead to draw 2-2 against Jordanian Pro League champions Al Hussein SC in their AFC Champions League Two Group D opener here on Wednesday.
Daniel Ramírez and Anwar Ali put the Indian side 2-0 ahead before Al Hussein fought back with second-half goals from Mahmoud Al Mardi and Ahmad Assaf to rescue a point in front of their home fans.
The result gave East Bengal a point in their opening Group D fixture and marked the first point for an Indian club in Asia’s second-tier men’s club competition since its rebranding to the ACL Two in 2024-25.
East Bengal took the lead in the ninth minute after Edmund Lalrindika’s effort bounced awkwardly for Al Hussein goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila, who could only palm the ball towards Ramirez. The forward made no mistake from close range to put the visitors ahead.
Al Hussein responded with a series of chances. Aref Haitham cut in from the right flank and fired just over the bar, before Pedro Henrique’s powerful header was thwarted by East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
East Bengal nearly doubled their lead against the run of play in the 38th minute when Jay Gupta found Lalrindika inside the box, but the forward blazed his effort over the bar from close range.
The visitors did not have to wait long for their second goal, though, doubling their advantage two minutes later. Ramirez’s corner from the right was misjudged by Abulaila, with the ball hitting Anwar Ali on the shoulder before landing in the net.
Al Hussein increased the pressure after the break but initially struggled to test Gill, with Abdallah Nasib and Saleem Amer sending efforts from distance off target.
The home side eventually found a way back in the 61st minute. Kharouba won possession from Hardik Bhatt and drove into the box before cutting the ball back for captain Mahmoud Al Mardi, who slid the ball into the net.
Al Hussein continued to push for an equaliser and finally got their reward in the 87th minute. Obaida Al Namarnah sent a cross from the left flank into the box, where Ahmad Assaf steered it home to make it 2-2.
East Bengal will face Iraq’s Al Shorta SC in their second Group D match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on October 13.