East Bengal FC pulled off a sensational comeback to defeat Kuwait’s Al Arabi SC 4-1 in extra time in the AFC Champions League Two qualifier at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.

The win helped EBFC qualify for the group stage of the tournament.

The ISL champion started positively, with Palestinian midfielder Basim Rashid’s powerful effort from outside the box forcing a fine save from Sulaiman Abdulghafoor.

The visitor came close in the 23rd minute when Kenean Maleko’s effort nearly slipped between Prabhsukhan Gill’s legs, but the EBFC custodian recovered to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Al Arabi took the lead in the 76th after Sandip Mandi brought down Maleko inside the box. Nigerian forward Anayo Iwuala converted the resulting penalty. With a defeat looming large, the host found a dramatic equaliser when Jay Gupta headed home from a Rashid free-kick in the 90th.

EBFC showed better endurance against a tiring opponent and took complete control in the second session of extra time. Rashid produced a superb angled half-volley in the 108th minute to put EBFC ahead.

Substitute David Hmar made it 3-1 in the 117th minute, scoring from a rebound after Chris Ikonomidis’ effort was saved. Rohit Danu completed the remarkable comeback in the 120th, converting Hmar’s assist to seal East Bengal’s passage to the group stage of the tournament proper.

The result: East Bengal FC 4 (Jay 90, Rashid 108, Hmar 117, Rohit 120) bt Al Arabi SC 1 (Iwuala 76-pen) aet.

Defending Indian Super League champion East Bengal FC faces a tough continental test when it meets Kuwaiti league runner-up Al Arabi SC in an AFC Champions League Two preliminary-stage knockout match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.

East Bengal returns to the competition after featuring in the AFC Challenge League in the 2024-25 season. It lost the ACL Two qualifying tie to Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr after qualifying as the Super Cup winner.

This time, the Kolkata giant has earned its place after winning India’s top league, and will be eager to make the opportunity count.

The victor of this match will advance to the ACL Two group league stage.

East Bengal began the new season under experienced Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas, who has replaced compatriot Oscar Bruzon, the man who guided the club to its first top-flight league title in 22 years.

The club has also revamped its foreign contingent while retaining Palestinian playmaker Basim Rashid. Spanish midfielder Dani Ramirez and Australian midfielder Chris Ikonomidis are available for selection.

However, East Bengal faces defensive concerns. Spanish centre-back Nacho Monsalve is out with a knee injury, while the other experienced defender Lalchungnunga is suspended following his red card against FC Arkadag in last year’s AFC Challenge League quarterfinal.

Habas could therefore be forced to field an all-Indian defence led by Anwar Ali.

Al Arabi, which spent over a month preparing in Turkiye, possesses significant attacking quality, with Palestinian Zaid Qunbar, Brazilian Lucas Shallon and Nigerian Anayo Iwuala among their key threats.