Turkmenistan Triumphs: East Bengal FC's AFC Challenge

East Bengal FC faced an early exit from the AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage following a 2-3 loss to Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr FC. Despite an early lead, East Bengal couldn't hold on as Altyn Asyr played a strong comeback. East Bengal will now compete in the AFC Challenge League Group Stage.

East Bengal FC faced an early exit from the AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage after a 2-3 defeat against Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr FC on Wednesday. Now, East Bengal will compete in the AFC Challenge League Group Stage.

In overcast conditions, Altyn Asyr FC emerged victorious despite conceding an early goal. Altyn Asyr quickly recovered to lead 2-1 by half-time and added one more goal in the second half before East Bengal managed to pull one back. East Bengal squandered a promising start against a team with no foreign players that finished as runner-up in the latest Yokary Liga, the Turkmen league.

East Bengal initially took the lead when Nandhakumar Sekar's cross was headed by an unmarked David Lalhlansanga. A fortuitous rebound allowed Lalhlansanga to slot the ball in the net. However, Altyn Asyr equalized in the 17th minute with Myrat Annayev's volley.

Nurmyradov Selim's free-kick then helped Altyn Asyr take the lead 11 minutes later. They extended their advantage in the second half through Mihail Titov, who scored from close range after a pass from Annayev. East Bengal's Saul Crespo reduced the margin in the 59th minute with a right footer, but it wasn't enough to salvage the game.

(With inputs from agencies.)