East Bengal FC squandered a two-goal advantage as Jordan’s Al Hussein fought back in the second half to secure a 2-2 draw in their AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 Group D opener at the Amman International Stadium on Wednesday. The Indian side appeared to be heading towards a memorable away victory after Dani Ramirez and Anwar Ali struck in the opening 45 minutes to establish a commanding 2-0 lead, but Al Hussein responded after the interval through Mahmoud Al Mardi and Ahmad Assab to ensure the points were shared.
East Bengal seize control
East Bengal made an impressive start and needed only nine minutes to break the deadlock, with Ramirez finding the net to give the visitors an early advantage. The goal allowed East Bengal to settle into the contest as Al Hussein attempted to recover in front of their home supporters. The Indian club remained disciplined and continued to threaten before doubling its advantage five minutes before half-time. Anwar struck in the 40th minute to make it 2-0, putting East Bengal firmly in command and leaving the Jordanian side facing a difficult task after the break. The visitors entered half-time with a two-goal cushion and appeared well placed to begin their continental campaign with three points.
Hosts stage comeback
Al Hussein, however, emerged with greater urgency in the second half and gradually increased the pressure on East Bengal’s defence. Their persistence was rewarded in the 61st minute when Al Mardi pulled one back, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and changing the momentum of the contest. East Bengal attempted to protect their slender advantage as the hosts pushed more players forward in search of an equaliser, but the sustained pressure eventually paid off. Assab struck in the 87th minute to complete Al Hussein’s comeback and deny the Indian side victory after it had led by two goals for much of the match.
Points shared in opener
Neither side could produce a decisive third goal in the remaining minutes, leaving East Bengal and Al Hussein with a point each from their opening Group D fixture. The result will leave East Bengal with mixed feelings after a strong first-half performance put them within sight of an away win, only for the hosts to erase the advantage after the interval. In the group’s other opening fixture, Iraq’s Al Shorta defeated Oman’s Al Seeb Club 1-0, leaving East Bengal and Al Hussein to chase the early leaders as the competition moves into its next round of matches.