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.