East Bengal Beat Nejmeh 3-2 to Enter AFC Challenge League Quarter-Finals
The Indian side took control early in the game, scoring in the eighth minute when Baba Musah accidentally directed Madih Talal's corner kick into his own net. They extended their lead just seven minutes later when Diamantakos scored from a low cross by Mahesh Naorem, marking his third consecutive match on the scoresheet.
Dimitrios Diamantakos played a crucial role in securing East Bengal FC's spot in the knockout stage of the AFC Challenge League 2024-25, scoring twice in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nejmeh SC of Lebanon. The match, held at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, allowed East Bengal to finish as winners of Group A with seven points.
The Red and Golds kicked off their campaign with a decisive 4-0 win against Bashundhara Kings from Bangladesh and a 2-2 draw with Bhutan's Paro FC. Heading into their final group match, East Bengal needed to win against Nejmeh, who were just two points ahead.
The Indian side took control early in the game, scoring in the eighth minute when Baba Musah accidentally directed Madih Talal's corner kick into his own net. They extended their lead just seven minutes later when Diamantakos scored from a low cross by Mahesh Naorem, marking his third consecutive match on the scoresheet.
Nejmeh, who had won their first two matches, quickly responded, pulling one back in the 11th minute as Rabih Ataya set up Collins Opare for a goal. The Lebanese team continued to press and found an equalizer just before half-time when Hussein Monzer curled a free-kick into the top corner, leaving the score at 2-2.
With the stakes high in the second half, both teams adopted a more cautious strategy. Nejmeh had several opportunities to take the lead, including a missed header from Hassan Kourani just two minutes into the half. Despite their efforts, they could not find the net again, as East Bengal's goalkeeper Prabsukhan Gill managed to keep the Lebanese side at bay.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Talal was fouled in the box by Ali Ismail, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Diamantakos stepped up and converted the spot-kick, restoring East Bengal's lead. Despite a late surge from Nejmeh, East Bengal's defense held firm to secure the win and clinch the top position in Group A.
With this victory, East Bengal has now advanced to the quarter-finals of the AFC Challenge League, where they will learn their opponents once the group stage matches conclude. The quarter-final matches are scheduled to take place on March 5 and March 12.
