East Bengal, who got an AFC Champions League 2 qualifier spot by virtue of winning the Super Cup, failed to beat Turkmenistan side Altyn Asyr in the qualifier match at their home. Altyn Asyr, a club fielding zero foreigners and belonging to a country ranked 144th in football, beat East Bengal 3-2 in front of a huge crowd and crushed their ACL 2 dream. However, that’s not the end of East Bengal’s continental campaign for the 2024-25 season, as they will now play their cards in the AFC Challenge Cup.
East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat couldn’t field his strongest XI because of some minor injuries. He chose to deploy an all-Indian attack, as captain Cleiton Silva and new signing Dimitrios Diamantakos weren’t fully fit to start. In contrast, FC Altyn Asyr coach Yazguly Hojageldyyew put out his strongest XI against the Red and Gold.
East Bengal kicked off the match with high intensity, adopting an attacking style of play right from the start. In the 4th minute, Rakip’s cross was saved by Altyn Asyr goalkeeper Batyr Babaev, who then faced a quick counter from Altyn Asyr, though their shot missed the target. A few minutes later, East Bengal took the lead when Saul Crespo delivered a precise pass to Nandha on the left wing. Nandha found David in the box, and although David’s initial header struck the post after deflecting off the goalkeeper’s hand, he was able to score from the rebound.
After conceding the goal, Altyn Asyr responded with increased attacking play. In the 12th minute, Myratberdiyev took a volleyed shot, but Gill made a solid save diving to his left. Moments later, Altyn Asyr had another opportunity, but Nurmyradov Selim’s shot hit the side netting. In the 17th minute, Altyn Asyr equalized when Myrat Annayev sent a long ball to the left post, leaving Gill helpless.
Following the equalizer, Altyn Asyr shifted to a more possession-based approach, building their attacks from the back. In the 24th minute, East Bengal’s Souvik Chakrabarti received the first yellow card of the match for a foul on the opponent captain, resulting in a free kick for the Turkmen side from outside the box. Nurmyradov Selim took the free kick and scored, once again leaving Gill as a spectator.
After taking the lead, Altyn Asyr slowed down the pace of the game, but East Bengal pressed for an equalizer. Despite some promising crosses, they couldn’t find the back of the net. In the 43rd minute, Gill came off his line to make an excellent save, preventing Altyn Asyr from scoring a third goal. During added time, East Bengal earned two free kicks but failed to convert them, and Lalchungnunga’s shot was saved by the Altyn Asyr goalkeeper. The first half concluded with Altyn Asyr leading 2-1.
At the start of the second half, East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat made a doeasuble substitution to signal his intent, bringing on Dimitrios Diamantakos and Jeakson Singh for Md. Rakip and Naorem Mahesh Singh. East Bengal aimed to control the midfield with four midfielders and gained early momentum. However, in the 52nd minute, Altyn Asyr scored their third goal against the run of play, with Mihail Titov converting a rebound.
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Trailing 3-1, East Bengal went on the offensive. Their captain Saul Crespo scored a brilliant individual goal, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. Following this, East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat made another attacking substitution, bringing on Cleiton Silva for David. In the 68th minute, Altyn Asyr came close to scoring an own goal as a failed clearance from an East Bengal cross hit the post.
East Bengal dominated the game in the second half, but they were unable to break through Altyn Asyr’s defense. In the 76th minute, Aman CK replaced Souvik Chakrabarti. Shortly after, East Bengal believed they had equalized when Cleiton Silva’s attempt to score from the goalkeeper’s gloves was ruled a foul by the referee. Following this, Altyn Asyr nearly added another goal on a counter-attack, but Gill made a crucial save. In the final minutes, East Bengal earned a free kick from outside the box, but the Altyn Asyr goalkeeper handled it effectively.
The defeat was a tough blow for East Bengal, who had shown potential but fell short in this crucial match. The result highlighted the difficulties of competing at the highest levels of Asian football. Despite their strong performance, their failure to convert possession into goals and vulnerability to counter-attacks proved detrimental.
East Bengal’s exit from the AFC Champions League 2 qualifier is disappointing, but the team has enough firepower to bounce back. They will have another chance in the AFC Challenge Cup, where they will aim to redeem themselves and make a significant impact. To succeed in their next continental challenge, the Kolkata giants will need to address their defensive weaknesses and ensure their key players return to full fitness.
For Altyn Asyr, this victory represents a notable achievement as they continue their impressive run in Asian football. The Turkmen team will now progress to the AFC Champions League 2 group stage, where they will aim to maintain their formidable performance.
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