East Bengal Faces Jordanian Giants in ACL Two Opener

East Bengal will kick off their AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 Group D journey on Wednesday, September 16, facing Al-Hussein SC at Amman International Stadium. This fixture marks a significant milestone, being East Bengal's 19th participation in an AFC men's competition, the most by any Indian club.

Under coach Antonio Lopez Habas, East Bengal enters the tournament with strong momentum following their preliminary stage victory. The team is navigating the absence of foreign strikers and Chris Ikonomidis due to illness.

Al-Hussein SC, the reigning Jordanian Pro League and FA Cup champions, poses a formidable challenge. However, they have had a less convincing start to their current season, with only one win in their last five matches. Injuries to key players like Mahmoud Al-Mardi and Brayan Riascos add to their uncertainties.

This encounter will be the first meeting between the two clubs. East Bengal previously faced Jordanian teams Al Faisaly and Al Wahdat in AFC competitions, achieving their sole victory against Al Wahdat in 2008.