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By GT24x7 Reporter · 13 October 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

Second-Half Turnaround Hands Al-Shorta Victory in Kolkata

Indian Super League side East Bengal FC fell to a 2-3 defeat against Iraqi champions Al-Shorta SC in their AFC Champions League Two Group D clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Despite holding a 2-1 lead at the end of the first half, the hosts surrendered their advantage within minutes of the restart as Al-Shorta produced a swift double strike to claim maximum points.

Striker David Lalhlansanga put on a standout performance for East Bengal, scoring twice in the opening 45 minutes. However, defensive lapses in the second half combined with missed chances proved costly for the Red and Gold Brigade, who failed to capitalize on a late numerical advantage following a red card for the visiting side.

Lalhlansanga Double Gives Hosts First-Half Edge

East Bengal initiated the contest with high tactical intensity, taking the lead in the eighth minute. Right-back Hardik Bhatt linked up effectively with Spanish midfielder Dani Ramírez on the right flank before delivering a precise cross into the box. David Lalhlansanga controlled the pass, turned past his marker, and finished sharply into the net to make it 1-0.

Al-Shorta responded six minutes later in the 14th minute when defender Ahmed Al-Hajjaj capitalized on an unsettled East Bengal defensive setup to equalize. The home team continued to create scoring opportunities, with Mohammed Rashid and Dani Ramírez conducting play through midfield. In the 40th minute, Lalhlansanga restored East Bengal's lead, capitalizing on a through-ball from Rashid to complete his brace and ensure the hosts entered the break with a 2-1 advantage.

Quickfire Goals and Red Card Resilience

The trajectory of the match shifted dramatically within ten minutes of the second-half kickoff. In the 51st minute, Al-Shorta winger Hussein Ali Al-Saedi beat his defender down the left wing and fired home a low cross to tie the match at 2-2. Just two minutes later, in the 53rd minute, Nigerian forward Kingsley Fidelis Kuku connected with an incoming corner kick, driving a powerful header past goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill to put the Iraqi side ahead 3-2.

East Bengal pushed forward in search of an equalizer, introducing fresh attacking legs in Aké Loba and Łukasz Zwoliński. The dynamic shifted further in the 77th minute when Al-Shorta midfielder Abdoul Madjid Moumouni received his second yellow card for a tactical foul and was sent off. Despite facing ten men for the final 15 minutes plus stoppage time, East Bengal were denied by key saves from Jalal Hassan, leaving the home side on one point in Group D while Al-Shorta elevated their tally to six points.