Dimitri Diamantakos scored for the second game running as East Bengal FC came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Bhutan’s Paro FC in the opening encounter of the AFC Challenge League.

The point meant that the Red and Gold Brigade snapped their losing streak this season.

Oscar Bruzon’s side made a bright start to proceedings after Madih Talal gave the Kolkata Giants the lead in the fifth minute of the match. But their joy was short lived as the hosts levelled matters just three minutes later through William Opoku.

East Bengal FC then thought they had regained their lead when Diamantakos put the ball in the back of the net but it was disallowed. Talal and Diamantakos were linking up well during the match and produced another opening for the Red and Gold in the 16th minute but the cross just evaded the former Kerala Blasters FC man.

The ISL side suffered an injury blow as Provat Lakra had to be replaced by Lalchhungnunga in the 19th minute.

East Bengal FC didn’t enjoy too many chances until the end of the first half when a Talal free-kick was palmed away by the Paro FC goalkeeper. However, just a minute later in the third minute of stoppage time, Paro FC took the lead through Evans Asante to leave the East Bengal FC players stunned on the stroke of half-time.

Diamantakos was at the thick of things again as East Bengal FC started the second half on the front foot but could only see his attempt hit the side netting in the 54th minute.

The pressure eventually gave way in the 69th minute as Diamantakos got on the end of a low cross from Nandhakumar Sekar to draw his team level.

Opoku then threatened to give Paro FC the lead again but his effort was thwarted by Prabhsukhan Singh Gill in the 79th minute.

Both teams looked for the elusive winning goal but it didn’t come as they had to settle for a share of spoils.

East Bengal FC are back in action in the AFC Challenge League when they take on Bangaldesh’s Bashundhara Kings on Tuesday.

Related tags:

East Bengal FC Dimitrios DiamantakosMadih Talal