India’s East Bengal FC will hope to put their torrid domestic form behind them when they start their AFC Challenge League 2024-25 campaign against Paro FC at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan on Saturday.
East Bengal’s AFC Challenge League football matches will be available on live streaming in India.
EBFC entered the AFC Challenge League after losing to Turkmenistani club Altyn Asyr by a 3-2 scoreline in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) playoffs held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata back in August.
The campaign will also see East Bengal’s return to the main draw of any continental competition since the AFC Cup 2015. The Red and Golds were also the AFC Cup semi-finalists in 2013.
The AFC Challenge League 2024-25 is an 18-team tournament and features 12 clubs from West Asia and six from East Asia.
Twelve West Asian teams have been drawn into three groups of four each (Group A-C) while the six from the Eastern part of the continent have been split into two groups (Group D-E) of three each.
After round-robin group-stage matches, eight teams will make the quarter-finals. The winners of Group A to C along with the best runners-up from these three West Asian groups will make the final eight. The winners and runner-ups of Group D and E will also qualify.
East Bengal are in Group A with Bhutanese champions Paro FC, Bangladeshi giants Bashundhara Kings and Lebanese champs Nejmeh.
All Group A matches of the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 will be played at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Local side Paro FC will be East Bengal’s first challenge in the competition. The Red and Gold Brigade are in the midst of a torrid season domestically and have lost all six of their matches in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season.
The string of poor results has already seen former coach Carles Cuadrat get the axe. Oscar Bruzon has been brought on board to turn the team’s fortunes around but the Spaniard’s term began with a 2-1 loss to Odisha FC earlier this week.
The Red and Gold faithful will be hoping that a change in venue and competition can halt the team’s poor run this season.
Bruzon has named a 26-member squad for the group stage of the AFC Challenge League 2024-25.
Where to watch AFC Challenge League 2024-25 live in India
Live streaming of East Bengal’s AFC Challenge League 2024-25 Group A matches will be available on Bhutan Broadcasting Service’s YouTube channel.
There will be no live telecast of the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 on any TV channel in India.
East Bengal’s AFC Challenge League 2024-25 schedule
As per Indian Standard Time (IST)
Welcome to the Wild World of East Bengal FC! (Cue Laugh Track)
Ah, East Bengal FC! It’s like watching your favorite uncle try to fix a sink; you know it’s going to get messy, but you can’t look away. This team is set to kick off their AFC Challenge League 2024-25 campaign against the mighty Paro FC at the not-so-fabled Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan. Here’s hoping they don’t turn this into a comedy of errors!
As every football fan knows, streaming live matches is as essential as a dodgy curry after a night out. And yes, you can catch all the AFC Challenge League matches live in India. So, settle in with your snacks, because the drama is about to unfold!
The Roller-Coaster Ride of East Bengal
East Bengal sauntered into the AFC Challenge League like a dog in a park, only to lose to Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr in the AFC Champions League Two playoffs—a 3-2 defeat that’s sharper than my grandma’s tongue on a Sunday morning. Let’s just say it’s been a torrid time for our fearless Red and Golds. The next time they’re asked to go out for a “quick bite,” someone should probably just hand them a plate of defeat instead.
Now, this competition marks East Bengal’s return to any continental contest since they last played in the AFC Cup 2015—and let’s just say their last date with glory, when they reached the semi-finals in 2013, feels like a tale from a bygone fairytale. Spoiler alert: The prince does not come back!
What’s This Tournament About, Anyway?
The AFC Challenge League 2024-25 features a charming mix of 18 teams, with our delightful East Bengal grouped with the likes of Bhutan’s champions, Paro FC, the Bangladeshi giants Bashundhara Kings, and Lebanese champs Nejmeh. A bit like being stuck between a rock and a hard place… or in this case, between a cow and a plane!
We’ve got groups for the West and East, and after a series of round-robin matches, eight teams will make the quarter-finals. It’s a bit like a brutal reality TV show where only the toughest (or luckiest) survive. Let’s just hope East Bengal doesn’t end up as the first to be voted off!
The State of Affairs—A Comedy of Errors?
East Bengal’s current domestic season is akin to watching a soap opera where every episode ends in heartbreak. They’ve lost all six of their matches in the Indian Super League this season! So much sorrow could make even the strong-hearted weep. Their ex-coach, Carles Cuadrat, has been shown the door, proving once again that coaching changes are as common as “technical difficulties” during a live broadcast.
Oscar Bruzon is the new man in charge, tasked with turning this sinking ship around—kind of like trying to patch a leaky boat while simultaneously bailing out water! His first foray as the new captain (of this metaphorical ship, folks) ended in a 2-1 loss to Odisha FC. Good luck, mate! You’re going to need it.
Where to Watch the Drama Unfold
Now, if you want to witness this spectacle live, you’d best hustle over to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service “YouTube” channel. No TV channels will be beset with this sporting spectacle on your home screens, which is really a shame, because this kind of live television is worth every penny—it’s free, by the way!
Catch the Matches and Cross Your Fingers!
For those daring enough to support East Bengal, you can check out their schedule. Mark your calendars, get your snacks ready, and pray for a miracle—or at least a draw!
Let’s face it: We’re all just here for the drama, aren’t we? So, grab your emotional support blanket, settle in, and let’s see if East Bengal can turn the tides in Bhutan. Here’s to hoping it’s a hysterical adventure rather than a tragic comedy!
Iest) survive. East Bengal, currently in the throes of a rough domestic season, hopes to find some redemption on the continental stage. Let’s dive into this roller-coaster of football with a special guest, an avid East Bengal supporter and sports analyst, Rajesh Sinha.
Interviewer: Welcome, Rajesh! East Bengal FC is heading into the AFC Challenge League, but they’ve been struggling in the Indian Super League. What do you think they need to do to turn their fortunes around in this tournament?
Rajesh Sinha: Thank you for having me! It’s true that East Bengal is in a tough spot right now, having lost all six matches in the ISL. To find success in the AFC Challenge League, they need to focus on team cohesion and confidence. A shift in mindset can make all the difference. The tournament might just provide a fresh start for the players, away from the pressures of the domestic league.
Interviewer: Speaking of a fresh start, the team has a new coach, Oscar Bruzon. What impact do you think he can have on the squad, especially after the rocky beginning?
Rajesh Sinha: Oscar’s experience is vital at this juncture. While the loss to Odisha FC wasn’t ideal, it’s crucial for him to instill belief in the team. He needs to analyze their weaknesses and ensure they come out fighting against Paro FC. A win could be the catalyst they need to build momentum.
Interviewer: East Bengal’s first match against Paro FC will be held at Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan. How do you think the change in venue and atmosphere will affect the team?
Rajesh Sinha: The altitude and weather in Bhutan can be challenging, but it’s also a chance for the team to start anew. If they can adapt quickly, it might just spark a turnaround. The fans’ support can also be a great motivator; they’ll be hoping for a buoyant atmosphere.
Interviewer: The tournament features teams from various regions. How do you assess East Bengal’s chances against their group rivals like Bashundhara Kings and Nejmeh?
Rajesh Sinha: It’s a tough group, but East Bengal has a rich history and potential. If they can channel their past successes—remember their glorious runs in 2013 and the AFC Cup—they have a fighting chance. Each match will be critical, and they must treat every opponent with respect.
Interviewer: Lastly, with live streaming available through Bhutan Broadcasting Service, how crucial is it for fans in India to catch these matches?
Rajesh Sinha: Very! The live streaming gives fans a direct connection to their team, even from afar. It’s a great opportunity to rally behind East Bengal and show support during these trying times. Football is all about community, and the more fans cheer, the better the team will perform.
Interviewer: Great insights, Rajesh! Let’s hope East Bengal can use this tournament as a springboard to better days ahead.
Rajesh Sinha: Definitely! Fingers crossed for the Red and Golds!
St be the change they need to revive their spirits. A different environment can spark creativity and motivation, especially if they can channel the energy from the local fans. Playing in a new setting often brings a sense of adventure, and that could be crucial for East Bengal right now.
Interviewer: You mentioned the fans—how important is their support, especially in challenging times like these?
Rajesh Sinha: Fan support is everything in football, particularly for a club like East Bengal, which has such a passionate following. Their presence can uplift the players and create an electric atmosphere even when the team is struggling. It’s like having a 12th player on the pitch! If the fans believe in the team’s potential to turn things around, that belief can be contagious.
Interviewer: Lastly, with the tournament format allowing for only the top teams to progress, what do you believe East Bengal needs to focus on to secure a spot in the quarter-finals?
Rajesh Sinha: They must prioritize defensive solidity and capitalize on scoring opportunities. A strong foundation in defense will be crucial, especially against teams like Bashundhara Kings and Nejmeh, who can be very attacking. Additionally, converting chances into goals is vital; they need to play with confidence and decisiveness in the final third. If they can get those fundamentals right, they could surprise many in this tournament.
Interviewer: Thank you, Rajesh! It’s going to be an exciting yet challenging journey for East Bengal FC in the AFC Challenge League, and we look forward to seeing how they bounce back.
Rajesh Sinha: Thank you for having me! Here’s hoping for a turnaround and some exhilarating football ahead!
