East Bengal, an Indian team, dominated their AFC Challenge League match against Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings, winning 4-0. East Bengal, who were struggling at the bottom of the 13-team Indian Super League standings, looked a different story in the continental tournament, opened the score in the first minute with Dimitrios Diamantakos’ left-footed effort from the heart of the box following a Lal Chungnunga cross. In the 20th minute, East Bengal doubled their advantage with a screamer from midfielder Souvik Chakrabarti, who struck from outside the box into the upper right corner.
After an assist from Madih Talal, Nandhakumar Sekar’s right-footed strike from the left side of the box made it 3-0 for East. Bashundhara Kings were in for more misery as stopper Anwar Ali scored another great goal, this time curling in after his left-footed drive from outside the box.
Again, Bangladesh’s defense was inadequate as they failed to clear the ball to safety. East Bengal led 4-0 at halftime and did not let up in the second half of their second group-stage match. Bashundhara Kings had their chances, but they failed to convert them. The Red and Gold Brigade began their campaign with a 2-2 tie against home team Paro FC.