East Bengal FC suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Iraqi club Al-Shorta in their second Group D match of the AFC Champions League Two at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday, despite taking the lead twice in an entertaining encounter.
David Lalhansanga Hmar scored both goals for the Kolkata giants, but a dramatic second-half comeback helped the visitors secure all three points even after finishing the match with 10 players.
East Bengal made an impressive start and needed just seven minutes to break the deadlock. David controlled a cross from Hardik Bhatt, turned brilliantly under pressure from a defender and fired a powerful left-footed shot into the net.
However, the celebrations were short-lived as Al-Shorta responded in the 14th minute. Ahmed Yahya rose highest to meet a corner and headed home the equaliser.
Despite enjoying less possession, East Bengal continued to threaten through quick counterattacks. The home side created several promising opportunities and registered seven shots on target from 10 attempts during the opening half.
Their attacking efforts paid off again in the 41st minute when David restored the advantage. Daniel Ramirez’s free-kick was initially saved by goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, but Basim Rashid kept the ball in play with a clever back-heel, allowing David to finish from close range.
The forward could have completed his hat-trick before the interval but missed two opportunities that ultimately proved costly.
Al-Shorta returned from the break with greater attacking intent and completely changed the match within minutes.
Hussein Al-Saedi brought the visitors level in the 51st minute before Kingsley Kuku headed home Cristian Barco’s corner just two minutes later to give the Iraqi side a 3-2 advantage.
East Bengal pushed desperately for an equaliser and nearly found one in the 66th minute. However, Hassan produced two outstanding saves in quick succession, denying Ramirez before stopping Edmund Lalrindika’s rebound.
The visitors suffered a setback in the 76th minute when Abdoul Magid Boubacar received his second yellow card and was sent off.
With an extra player on the pitch, East Bengal increased the pressure and committed more players forward in search of a late equaliser.
However, Al-Shorta defended resolutely and protected their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The defeat will be particularly frustrating for East Bengal, who created enough chances to secure a positive result but failed to capitalise on their opportunities.
David’s impressive two-goal performance ultimately went unrewarded as defensive lapses and missed chances proved decisive in another difficult AFC Champions League Two outing for the Red and Gold brigade.
