East Bengal let two-goal lead slip, held 2-2 by Al-Hussein in AFC Champions League 2 opener

Dani Ramirez and Anwar Ali put East Bengal 2-0 ahead in the first half, but Mahmoud Al Mardi and Ahmad Assaf struck after the break to earn Al-Hussein a share of the spoils in Amman.

East Bengal began their AFC Champions League 2 2026-27 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Al-Hussein at the Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan, on Wednesday, surrendering a two-goal first-half advantage as the hosts staged a spirited comeback after the break.

The Red and Gold Brigade did not enjoy the most convincing of starts, with Al-Hussein looking comfortable in possession during the opening exchanges. But East Bengal showed their efficiency in front of goal when their first major opportunity arrived in the 10th minute.

Dani Ramirez made no mistake, giving the visitors the lead and putting East Bengal in front against the run of the early momentum.

The goal settled East Bengal and allowed the visitors to grow into the contest. Al-Hussein continued to search for a response, but East Bengal’s defensive shape helped them protect their advantage as the first half progressed.

East Bengal then extended their lead five minutes before half-time. In the 40th minute, Anwar Ali reacted sharply inside the box and headed home from close range, putting the visitors 2-0 ahead.

With a two-goal cushion at the interval, East Bengal appeared to have established a strong platform to take control of their opening continental fixture.

The second half, however, proved to be a different story.

Al-Hussein returned with greater attacking intent and began putting the East Bengal defence under sustained pressure. The hosts’ persistence eventually paid off when Mahmoud Al Mardi pulled one back, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and giving the Jordanian side renewed momentum.

The goal changed the complexion of the game. Al-Hussein pushed forward in search of an equaliser, while East Bengal were increasingly forced to defend their narrow advantage.

The pressure finally told when Ahmad Assaf found the equaliser, bringing Al-Hussein level at 2-2 and completing the hosts’ comeback from two goals down.

East Bengal had chances to regain their control of the contest, but the visitors could not find a decisive third goal in the closing stages. Al-Hussein, meanwhile, continued to threaten as both sides looked for a winner, but neither could produce the final breakthrough.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 draw, leaving East Bengal with a point from their opening AFC Champions League 2 fixture.

For East Bengal, the result will feel like a missed opportunity after establishing a commanding 2-0 lead before half-time. At the same time, the performance provided encouraging signs on the continental stage, particularly in the first half, as the Indian side demonstrated its ability to create and convert chances against a strong Jordanian opponent.

Match Summary

AFC Champions League 2, 2026-27
Venue: Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan
Result: Al-Hussein 2-2 East Bengal

East Bengal scorers: Dani Ramirez (10′), Anwar Ali (40′)
Al-Hussein scorers: Mahmoud Al Mardi, Ahmad Assaf