East Bengal to face tier-two Malaysian teams in Kuala Lumpur

Kolkata giants East Bengal will play two pre-season friendlies against Malaysia Premier League second tier teams UiTMFC and UiTMFC in Kuala Lumpur, the club announced Friday.

East Bengal, who were dethroned by arch-rivals Mohun Bagan in the Calcutta Football League this season, have travelled to Kuala Lumpur under new coach Alejandro Menendez for a training camp ahead of the I-League, that is expected to start at the end of this month.

The Red and Golds will first lock horns with UiTMFC Sunday followed by UiTMFC on October 10.

The team will be training at the MSN Sports Complex in Malaysia till October 22 and organisers are trying to arrange a few more matches during their stay, according to a media release.

Bengaluru FC was the last I-League club to have an overseas pre-season camp when they travelled to China in 2014 under Ashley Westwood.

The Red-and-Gold brigade finished third in CFL Premier Division A, trailing champions Mohun Bagan by six points.

Spaniard Menendez then took over as the head coach of the club who has parted ways with technical director Subhas Bhowmick.

(With inputs from agencies.)