Indian Super League (ISL) side East Bengal FC will kick off their AFC Challenge League campaign as they are set to take on Bhutanese side Paro FC at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Saturday.

The Red and Gold Brigade found themselves in a continental tournament after a hiatus of nine long years following their Kalinga Super Cup triumph last season. However, the Kolkata giants suffered a 2-3 defeat against Altyn Asyr FC in the AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage, paving their way to the AFC Challenge League, Asia’s third-tier continental club football competition.

East Bengal FC have been going through a challenging phase with new head coach Oscar Bruzon taking charge of the team earlier this month. They have succumbed to six straight defeat in the ISL and are are pointless in each of their last eight outings across competitions.

The Red & Gold Brigade boast a formidable squad, having made some strong signings during the summer transfer window. Players like Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, and others joined the club, significantly boosting their overall squad potential.

However, the club has struggled to obtain the results although these players have shown promising signs for the club. with the Kolkata-based club will be aiming to make a fresh start under the guidance of Bruzon in the continental tournament to turn things around in their favor.

On the other hand, Paro FC are unbeaten in each of their last seven matches in the Bhutan Premier League. The hosts earned a spot in the AFC Challenge League following their triumph as the Bhutan Premier League champions last season, which was their third consecutive title and fourth overall.

“It is nice to be prepared for the first-ever Challenge League in the AFC. So I am very honored to be here. So, we are playing the first Challenge League. So, I am very happy, and we are prepared,” East Bengal FC assistant coach Bino George said in the pre-match press conference on participating in the inaugural season of the AFC Challenge League.

While quizzed about his assessment of their opponent team, Paro FC, George answered, “We respect the opponent. They have good foreign players. I said before, I believe my players, and we have a good squad this time. So now we are adapting the new style of our coach. We are not worried about these things. So, let's see.”

Naorem Mahesh Singh also attended the press conference ahead of their opening game in Group A against home team Paro FC.

The midfielder too shared his delight in participating in the continental tournament.

“About participation in the AFC Challenge League, I think it will be a very tough challenge for us because all the teams are coming as one of the best in their countries. So, it will be very, very tough for us,” he said.

“I think some of them (players) have never played in this high altitude and artificial turf for the past 10 years. But for me, I grew up in an academy where it's almost the same. Like this altitude and turf, I think for me, it will be a little okay,” Singh further added, sharing the challenges of playing in Bhutan.

Match Details

Fixture: East Bengal FC vs Paro FC

Date: October 26, 2024

Time: 4.30 PM (IST)

Venue: Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu, Bhutan

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East Bengal FC2024-2025