East Bengal Joins Group A in AFC Challenge League

East Bengal has been placed in Group A of the AFC Challenge League, alongside Nejmeh SC, Bashundhara Kings, and Paro FC. Their journey follows a title win at the Kalinga Super Cup. Matches will take place at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.

Indian Super League club East Bengal has been drawn in Group A of the AFC Challenge League alongside Nejmeh SC (Lebanon), Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh), and Paro FC (Bhutan).

The Group A matches are set to occur at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.

The Red and Gold Brigade secured their spot in the tournament owing to their title victory at this year's Kalinga Super Cup.

Earlier this month, East Bengal contested in the AFC Champions League Two qualifiers but faced a 0-2 defeat against Altyn Asyr FC (Turkmenistan), which relegated them to the AFC Challenge League.

Nejmeh SC, their Lebanese opponent, is a seasoned team, having met East Bengal in the AFC Cup group stage in 2010. Bashundhara Kings and Paro FC are also formidable, being the champions of their respective domestic leagues.

The tournament comprises five groups, with eight teams advancing from the group stage, culminating in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final between March and May.