How East Bengal FC can qualify for knockout stages in AFC Challenge League?

A positive result would see the Torchbearers qualify for the knockout stages.

Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal FC have reached a critical juncture in their AFC Challenge League campaign. The team is gearing up for a decisive match against Lebanese side Nejmeh SC during matchday 3 of the third tier of AFC club competition. 

Currently competing in Group A, East Bengal holds the second spot, two points behind group leaders Nejmeh SC who have won both their opening games. Bhutanese club Paro FC currently sits third in the group with a point and could pose a huge threat to qualification for East Bengal if they lose on matchday 3.

Are East Bengal FC in danger of elimination?

Yes, East Bengal finds itself in a challenging position in Group A. Their upcoming game against group leaders Nejmeh SC is possibly the biggest challenge to progression to the knockout stages.

A win for the Torchbearers will see them finishing top, with the best runners-up from across the three West groups to also advance. The current standings in Group A reveal that every point counts and a win for Paro FC against Bashundhara Kings could complicate things for East Bengal FC if they don’t get a point against Nejmeh SC. 

East Bengal FC can qualify as runners-up in the group but depending on other teams in other groups.

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A win would not only enhance their standing in the group but also provide a morale boost ahead of a long and arduous AFC Challenge League campaign. Nejmeh SC have shown disciplined play on the pitch and attacking prowess in their two outings. East Bengal FC will need to be at their best, focusing on both offensive strategies and defensive solidity to contain threats posed by Nejmeh SC.

Scenarios for Qualification

To qualify for the knockout stages, East Bengal must ensure they are on top of the following scenarios:

• A win and clean sheet against Nejmeh SC would not only add crucial points to their tally but ensure automatic qualification.
• A draw with Nejmeh SC can also ensure EBFC progress depending on other teams as the best runners-up from across the three West groups will also advance.
• A loss against Nejmeh SC will not be ideal for EBFC. If Paro FC wins their last group A game, they will be level on points with the Torchbearers. However, if Paro FC beats Basundhara Kings by a margin of 6 goals, EBFC could be eliminated.

While barring any dramatic results in their game against Nejmeh SC, East Bengal FC are in a relatively comfortable position to advance to the knockout stages of the AFC Challenge League. An ideal evening for the Torchbearers would be to focus on winning their game and doing so with convincing margins. 

Can East Bengal FC build away from ISL struggles?

The Torchbearers have to do something that they haven’t done this season: win back-to-back games. East Bengal FC currently sits at the bottom of the ISL standings after six games.

To ensure progression, the club should aim to dominate possession while being mindful of counter-attacks from Nejmeh. A well-structured disciplined midfield to control the game’s tempo and utilizing pacey wingers will aid EBFC aspirations to progress to the knockout stages.

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