East Bengal FC’s last match win was not just a fluke. East Bengal reached the knockout stage of an Asian tournament for the first time in 11 years, defeating Lebanon’s Nejmeh SC 3-2 in their final AFC Challenge match. EBFC secured their second consecutive win in the AFC Challenge League on 1st November. 

The two leading goals against Nejmeh were already decided in the first season. While East Bengal was already showing their attacking stance from the beginning of the match, Nejmeh conceded an own goal, further tipping the game in East Bengal's favour.

East Bengal, two points behind Nejmeh before the match, seized an early advantage in the eighth minute when Baba Musah unintentionally redirected Madih Talal’s corner into his own net.

The Lebanese side regained their momentum and equalised just before halftime as Hussein Monzer curled a perfect free-kick into the top corner, setting the stage for an exciting second half.

Capitalising on Nejmeh’s sluggish start, East Bengal doubled their lead in the 15th minute as Diamantakos, scoring in his third straight match, tapped in a low cross from Mahesh Naorem. 

The defining moment arrived when Talal was taken down in the box by Ali Ismail, prompting referee Songkran Bunmeekiart to award a penalty. With confidence, Diamantakos converted the spot kick, restoring East Bengal’s lead in the 77th minute.