AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage Live Updates
2026-08-12T19:03:34+05:30
Scores:
East Bengal FC - 0
Al-Arabi SC - 0
0
2026-08-12T19:02:29+05:30
Al-Arabi SC starts the game with the kick off
Al-Arabi holds the possession at the moment to begin the first half.
0
2026-08-12T19:01:07+05:30
The teams are out in the center and making the final hurdle before the live action begins
0
2026-08-12T18:42:53+05:30
AFC Champions League Qualifiers - East Bengal FC vs Al-Arabi SC
The live action will begin shortly. Stay Tuned!
0
2026-08-12T18:36:01+05:30
East Bengal FC is on a successful streak themselves
East Bengal FC has been on a fantastic run themselves. They are making a mark on this top tier continental football with this comeback. Yes, their have been a lot of shuffling done in the squad, but they still hold the power to get themselves on the winning end at the end of the day. Today, they will be having a massive home support as well, which will certainly play a role for the side. If East Bengal FC can mark another win tonight, it will take them to a next level in the continental football.
1
2026-08-12T18:31:34+05:30
Al-Arabi SC has been in good form
The Kuwaiti side, Al-Arabi SC has been in some tremendous form as they finished as the runner-up in their domestic league last season. To add on that, Goran Sablic's team is coming after a solid 3-week pre-season training camp in Turkiye and is looking really strong coming into this match.
It will be interesting to see if the Indian side get the better of Al-Arabi SC.
1
2026-08-12T18:26:53+05:30
A must win game for both sides
East Bengal FC will be hosting this massive game of the season where they have a lot on the line. The game is going to be played at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata.
Both teams will be eying for a win tonight to get themselves into the AFC Champions League Group Stage. A defeat tonight can get them back into the AFC Challenge League Group Stage.
Who do you think will emerge to be victorious tonight? Can the host stun the Kuwaiti side to make their place in the AFC Champions League group stage?
We will find out very soon. To keep getting all the live updates from the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, stay tuned with us. I will be taking you through all the live action.
0
2026-08-12T18:18:26+05:30
Al-Arabi SC - Starting XI
Now, let's have a look at Al-Arabi SC's Starting XI as well:
Abdulwahab Alawadhi, Abdalla Albuloushi, Ali Poursaneie, Khaled Almershed, Kenean Maleko, Yousef Alshammari, Sulaiman Abdulghafoor (C)(GK), Leonardo Martins, Anayo Iwuala, Joher Rassoul, Zeid Qunbar
0
2026-08-12T18:13:50+05:30
East Bengal FC - Starting XI
Let's have a look at the Starting XI of the East Bengal FC :
Hardik Bhatt, Anwar Ali, Edmund Lalrindika, Daniel Ramirez Fernandez, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (GK), Jesin TK, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Jay Gupta, Bipin Singh Thounaojam, Sandip Mandi, Basim Rashid (C)
1
2026-08-12T18:10:07+05:30
The live action is just around the corner
The game will begin at 7 PM, which is just an hour away from now. As a football lover, we are all aware of the importance of this match, as just one more win can mean East Bengal FC will continue their historic run to another level as a win tonight will get them into the Group stage of the ACL Two.
0
2026-08-12T18:07:28+05:30
AFC Champions League Two Qualifiers - East Bengal FC vs Al-Arabi SC
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of East Bengal FC vs Al-Arabi SC. The two top teams of India and Kuwait, respectively, are going to be against each other in an extremely crucial fixture of AFC Champions League Two Qualifiers. I hope you are ready for this phenomenal match up to begin because I cannot wait for it to start.
0
2026-08-12T18:03:37+05:30
WELCOME!
Good evening and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage, as Indian football clubs compete on the continental stage.
East Bengal FC take on Al-Arabi SC in the first knockout clash in Kolkata, before FK Arkadag face FC Goa in the second match. With everything on the line, the winners of these decisive encounters will secure their place in the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 group stage.
1
East Bengal are all set to battle it out against Kuwait giants Al-Arabi SC, with both sides determined to win their upcoming 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Qualifier at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on 12 August 2026.
With the Red & Gold Brigade having home advantage on their side, they’re determined to be inspired from their fans support to oust the strong Kuwaiti side and qualify for the AFC Champions League Two group stages for the first time in their history.
Also, FC Goa look to fight their way into qualifying for the group stages of the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two when they face off against Turkmenistan side FK Arkadag in the preliminary stage qualifier clash on Wednesday, 12 August (2026).
The Gaurs face an intimidating challenge of facing the Turkmenistan heavyweights at their own yard, and whichever team is more clinical and effective on the night will be able to qualify for the AFC Champions League Two.
MATCH DAY! ⚔️⚔️⚔️Fans brace for a double-header as ISL 2025-26 champions East Bengal take on Al Arabi and Super Cup 2025-26 Champions FC Goa take on FK Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two Playoffs tonight at 7PM and 8.30 PM respectively! Follow the major updates of the… pic.twitter.com/XR45Dx565p
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 12, 2026
The Stakes
East Bengal
East Bengal to play Al-Arabi SC on 12th AugustFor East Bengal, the beginning of the 2026-27 season has marked a new era. After Oscar Bruzon inspired them to win the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) title, there have been many changes and they’re now being led by Antonio Habas.
For the Spanish gaffer, the major priority will be to help East Bengal reach the ACL Two group stages – but he is aware of the challenging task ahead. The Torchbearers need to maintain a really sturdy shape to combat Al-Arabi’s threat and go toe-to-toe with them in the key battles.
Moreover, they also need to be combative and clinical in the attack to be able to get a big result. East Bengal are aware that a win over Al-Arabi to qualify for the ACL Two groups will be a huge result for them so early in the campaign and raise the morale levels in the squad.
A bad defeat, however, would be a bitter set-back that the gaffer wouldn’t want at this stage of the campaign.
Al-Arabi SC
Al-Arabi SC will look get the best out of this clashAl-Arabi SC are one of the oldest clubs in Kuwait football and they definitely have a lot of continental football experience in their arsenal as well. Indeed, Al-Arabi have played in many editions of AFC’s competitions – including the AFC Cup and AFC Champions League in the past and they’re determined to play in the newly remodeled ACL Two for the first time in this campaign.
The Castle of Trophies, as they’re nicknamed, will be respectful of East Bengal’s threat and the kind of pressure they can bring to the game at their own yard.
However, Al-Arabi will look to put their opponents under pressure by being an energetic, proactive bunch in the key areas and also be incisive in the final third to outwit the East Bengal players.
Al-Arabi are aware that a win would mark major success as it’ll help them qualify for the ACL Two group stages, but a defeat to East Bengal would mean another bitter pill to swallow.
FK Arkadag
FK Arkadag will host FC Goa on 12th AugustFK Arkadag might only have existed for around three-and-a-half years old as a club, being only formed in April (2023) – but they have already established themselves as regulars in Asian competition.
They were able to reach the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16 last season and are determined to play in the competition once again in the 2026-27 season. FK Arkadag will be aiming to make the most use of their home advantage, using the energy of their fans to produce a thrilling performance.
They’ll need to be slick, quick and incisive in the FC Goa half to be able to get a big win and reach the group stages of the ACL Two in style.
However, a loss to the Gaurs at their own yard can be particularly embarrassing and force them back into playing in the AFC Challenge League again.
FC Goa
FC Goa will look to be at their best against Arkadag (Photo: Surajit Sharma / Focus Sports / ISL)After the departure of Manolo Marquez at the end of the 2025-26 season, FC Goa are now in a new era under Gouramangi Singh’s guidance. It’ll be a big challenge for the Indian head coach to prove his managerial qualities in this tough trip to Turkmenistan against a side that definitely boasts more continental competition experience than his side.
Gouramangi has to be particularly good in shaping up his side to maintain a really sturdy defensive shape and for them to be able to cut the supply lines for FK Arkadag, neutralizing much of their attacking threat.
He also needs his players to be efficient in the transitions and set-pieces to be able to make their chances count and convert opportunities well.
A win for the Gaurs can be a huge achievement in Gouramangi’s coaching career and justify the club’s decision to appoint him in this role, but a loss would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Team News
East Bengal are going to have some notable absentees for this clash. Their new Spanish defender Nacho Monsalve is a major doubt after suffering a knee issue in a recent Durand Cup game.
Boris Singh and Danish Farooq are unlikely to feature in this one as they are still working on their fitness. Striker Effiong Nsungusi is yet to join up with the East Bengal camp ahead of this clash.
Al-Arabi should have a fully fit squad available as they gear up to play their first competitive match under Croatian gaffer Goran Sabilic.
FK Arkadag should have a fully-fit squad available for them in this clash.
FC Goa’s new signings Alex Zalaya and Chiki will join the squad in Turkmenistan, but their fitness situation remains uncertain.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first time that East Bengal and Al-Arabi SC will face each other in a continental clash.
This will also be the first time that FK Arkadag and FC Goa face each other in a continental competition.
Predicted Lineups
East Bengal (4-2-3-1)
Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Hardik Bhatt, Anwar Ali, Lalchungnunga, Sandeep Mandi, Jeakson Singh, Mohammed Rashid, Dani Ramirez, Bipin Singh, Chris Ikonomidis, Edmund Lalrindika
Al-Arabi SC (4-2-3-1)
Sulaiman Abdulghafoor (GK), Mohammed Khaled, Jumma Abboud, Abdullah Essa, Hamad Al-Qallaf, Khaled Al-Marshed, Ali Porusaniei, Hassimi Fadiga, Yousef Majed, Anayo Iwuala, Zaid Qunbar
FK Arkadag (4-2-3-1):
Rasul Carryjew (GK), Guycmyrat Annagulyjew, Mekan Saparow, Abdy Basimow, Arzuvguly Sapargulyev, Ahmed Atayew, Resul Hojayev, Mirza Beknazarov, Begench Akmammedov, Arslanmyrat Amanow, Didar Durdyyew
FC Goa (4-2-3-1)
Lara Sharma (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Ronny Wilson, Sandesh Jhingan, Aakash Sangwan, Alex Ballejo, Sahil Tavora, Harsh Patre, Udanta Singh, Franchu, Daniel Lalhlimpuia
Did you know?
Dani Ramirez is the product of the Real Madrid youth academy, having made over 100 appearances for their reserve team as well.
Al-Arabi SC reached the semi-finals of the 2024-25 AFC Challenge League, losing to eventful winners FK Arkadag.
East Bengal’s best finish in an AFC competition is reaching the semifinals of the AFC Cup in 2013, where they actually lost to Kuwaiti side Al-Kuwait.
FC Goa scored one of the two goals conceded by Al-Nassr in the group stages of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two.
FK Arkadag won the 2024-25 AFC Challenge League title, defeating East Bengal en route to the championship.
FC Goa’s new signing Franchu is a product of the Real Madrid youth academy, having made 61 appearances for their reserves.
Telecast Details
The AFC Champions League Two Preliminary qualifier clash between East Bengal and Al-Arabi SC will take place on Wednesday, 12 August (2026) at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. The match will kick off at 7 PM IST. It is poised to be streamed live on Fancode.
The AFC Champions League Two Qualifier clash between FK Arkadag and FC Goa is poised to be held at the Arkadag Stadium, Turkmenistan on Wednesday, 12 August (2026). The match will not be streamed in India.
When will East Bengal face Al-Arabi SC?
East Bengal will face Al-Arabi SC on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in the AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Qualifier. The match will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM IST.
Where will East Bengal FC vs Al-Arabi SC be live streamed?
The match will be available on FanCode live.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.