Bashundhara Kings suffered a fatal 0-4 goals defeat to East Bengal Football Club of India in their second Group A match of the ongoing AFC Challenge League 2024-25 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan on Tuesday night.
The Bangladesh champions conceded all four goals against the Indian Super League (ISL) side, led by their previous head coach Oscar Bruzon, in the first half while the second half remained goalless as both sides failed to change the margin with their fruitless attempts.
Kings got the first blow in the first minute of the game when forward Dimitrios Diamantakos struck the goal from inside the box, off a cross from defender Lal Chungnunga.
East Bengal created another chance in the 20th minute from a similar set-up, but Diamantakos packed too much power in his shot with the ball sailing over the bar, however, within few seconds, midfielder Souvik Chakrabarti doubled the margin.
After six minutes, East Bengal struck again through forward Nandhakumar Sekar after midfielder Madih Talal had set him free on the left side of the area and then defender Anwar Ali made it 4-0 up in the 33rd minute utilizing a poor clearance from Kings.
Kings got a chance to reduce the gap in the 82nd minute, but Brazilian Fernandes’ shot from just inside the area was denied by the post as East Bengal comfortably saw out the rest of the match.
In the day’s other match, Nejmeh Sporting Club of Lebanon secured their second win after beating Paro Football Club of Bhutan by 2-1 goals at the same venue.
Kings, who started their campaign with a 0-1 goal defeat to Nejmeh, will face Paro in their last group match on 1 November, at the same centralised venue.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
