East Bengal Hold Al-Hussein to 2-2 Draw After Blowing Two-Goal Lead in AFC Champions League Two

East Bengal were held to a 2-2 draw by Al-Hussein SC in their opening AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 Group D encounter on Wednesday, surrendering a two-goal advantage after an impressive first half in Jordan.

The Indian club looked firmly in control after taking a 2-0 lead into half-time, with Dani Ramirez and Anwar Ali finding the net. However, Al-Hussein produced a strong second-half response, scoring twice to level the contest and deny East Bengal a winning start to their continental campaign.

The result was particularly frustrating for East Bengal after they had established a commanding position in the first half and appeared on course to take all three points.

East Bengal made a positive impact on the scoreboard in the 10th minute through Dani Ramirez. The opening goal came after E. Lalrindika fired an effort towards the Al-Hussein goal. The goalkeeper failed to handle the shot cleanly, with the ball deflecting off his hands and falling into the path of Ramirez, who reacted quickly to score from the rebound.

The goal gave East Bengal a 1-0 advantage, although the early stages had not been entirely comfortable for the Indian side. Their passing in midfield had been inconsistent, while Al-Hussein showed an ability to intercept and disrupt East Bengal’s build-up. Al-Hussein also created opportunities of their own. Aref Al Haj came close with an effort that went narrowly over the crossbar, while Yousef Qashi tested East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill with a header from a corner. Gill produced an excellent reflex save to keep his team ahead.

Anwar Ali Doubles the Advantage

East Bengal eventually extended their lead before half-time when defender Anwar Ali scored to make it 2-0. The Indian club capitalised on their attacking momentum, with Anwar rising highest to meet a cross and directing a powerful close-range header into the net. At the interval, East Bengal had a two-goal cushion and appeared to be in a strong position. The first half had included some defensive pressure from Al-Hussein, but East Bengal had managed to combine their attacking opportunities with important interventions at the other end.

The second half brought a dramatic change in momentum. Al-Hussein began to dominate possession and attack more aggressively after the restart. The Jordanian side repeatedly created promising opportunities as they searched for a way back into the match. Their pressure eventually produced a goal in the 70th minute.

A defensive mistake from H. Bhatt allowed Al-Hussein to create the opening. Mahmoud Khrouba collected the ball on the left flank, drove into the penalty area and cut it back for Mahmoud Al Mardi. Al Mardi slid in to apply the finish and reduce the deficit to 2-1. With the gap reduced to one goal, Al-Hussein continued to push forward while East Bengal found themselves under increasing pressure.

East Bengal remained ahead until the closing stages, but Al-Hussein eventually found the equaliser. Obieda Al Namarnah delivered a cross from the left flank, and Ahmad Assaf made a well-timed run into the box before finishing first time. The goal brought Al-Hussein level at 2-2 with only a few minutes remaining. East Bengal were forced to withstand further pressure as Al-Hussein pushed for a winner. Despite the Jordanian side’s late attacking surge, the home team could not find a third goal.

The referee eventually blew the final whistle with the score locked at 2-2.

The draw means East Bengal leave their opening AFC Champions League Two fixture with one point after a match in which they had led 2-0 at half-time. For much of the opening period, the Indian club had demonstrated their ability to threaten Al-Hussein’s defence, while Prabhsukhan Gill’s saves helped preserve their advantage when the hosts created chances.

However, Al-Hussein’s second-half pressure exposed the difficulty of protecting a two-goal lead away from home. The Jordanian side scored twice after the interval, with Al Mardi and Assaf completing the comeback.

East Bengal will now look to build on the positive aspects of their first-half performance while addressing the defensive issues that allowed Al-Hussein back into the contest. The 2-2 draw ensures they begin their Group D campaign with a point, but the manner in which the result unfolded will leave the Indian side wondering what might have been after holding a two-goal advantage.