Al Arabi misses chance to qualify for 'AFC Champions League Two'

Al-Arabi missed their chance to qualify for the 2022 AFC Champions League after suffering a 4-1 defeat to India’s East Bengal in their match played yesterday at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India. The game required two extra-time periods after ending 1-1 in regular time. Al-Arabi took the lead through Anayo Iyala from a penalty kick in the 75th minute, while East Bengal’s goals were scored by Jay Gupta (89’), Basim Rashid (108’), David (116’), and David (119’). With this result, the Indian team advanced to the 2022 AFC Champions League, while Al-Arabi will now compete in the AFC Challenge Cup.

Al-Arabi entered the match with a lineup featuring goalkeeper Sulaiman Abdul Ghafoor, Abdullah Ammar, Leonardo Sheldon, Jawhar Rasool, Abdulwahab Al-Awadi, Ali Aziz, Khaled Al-Murshed, Kenan Malikov, Youssef Majed, Zaid Qanbar, and Iyala.

The first half was evenly contested, with East Bengal distinguished by long-range shots, while Al-Arabi struggled to build attacks. The first significant attempt came from East Bengal, as Basim Rashid’s shot was brilliantly saved by Abdul Ghafoor in the 5th minute. Abdul Ghafoor also prevented a dangerous effort from Billing Singh, who curled a shot into the far corner in the 11th minute. Iyala responded with a wayward shot in the 13th minute that went wide.

In the second half, Al-Arabi took the initiative when Iyala advanced down the left flank, but goalkeeper Sile pushed the ball out for a corner in the 48th minute. Khaled Al-Murshed made a crucial save in the 50th minute, clearing a one-on-one opportunity presented by striker Singh. Abdullah Ammar was substituted due to injury in the 70th minute and replaced by Ali Abdulrasool.

Malikov was fouled inside the penalty area, leading the referee to award a penalty, which Iyala successfully converted in the 75th minute. However, East Bengal equalized through a deadly header by Jay Gupta in the 89th minute. The match proceeded to extra time, during which East Bengal scored three goals in the second period of extra time.

The match was officiated by a Tajikistani refereeing team led by international referee Gulmurod Sadullo.