East Bengal Ready for Asian Test, Face Al Hussein Away in ACL Two Opener
East Bengal Ready for Asian Test, Face Al Hussein Away in ACL Two Opener: After a dream start to the 2026-27 season, East Bengal are now set for their biggest test yet as they step onto the Asian stage. The Red & Gold will begin their ACL Two campaign away against Al Hussein, looking to carry their impressive domestic form into continental competition. With confidence high after winning the ISL League Shield, Durand Cup and overcoming Al Arabi in the preliminary tie, East Bengal will be eager to make a strong statement on their Asian return.
The last four months have been nothing short of an ideal life for the Red & Gold faithful. From clinching the ISL 2026-27 League Shield crown to winning the Durand Cup 2026 for a record 17th time, and adding to that the ACL Two preliminary tie victory against Al Arabi at Salt Lake, it seems whatever East Bengal are touching is turning out to be gold.
However, it’s not always like that, as they say, it’s easier said than done. A squad built with proven talent, mixed with genuine potential, immense passion, and a hunger to win has made the team look almost unbeatable, at least domestically.
East Bengal vs Al Hussein SC Match Preview
Now, the next challenge lies ahead on the continental stage, where the club can really find out where they belong. Following an emphatic comeback win over Al Arabi, the Red & Gold sealed their spot in the ACL Two Group Stage. They will take on Al Hussein in their ACL Two opener on 16 September 2026 at 9:30 PM IST.
The ISL champions have seen a shift in mentality since Antonio Lopes Habas took charge of the team. Although the Spaniard is yet to have a full armada in his armour, there are high expectations from him about getting at least a result in their opening ACL Two tie against Al Hussein. Before leaving for Jordan, the tactician said, “We don’t play for a draw, we play to win. We are happy with our preparations.”
Addressing the media at the pre-match press conference, Habas added, “We are excited to participate in the ACL Two Group Stage. I really want to play, but my players are the ones who have to play. I think this is a unique opportunity for Indian football and for us. We have had very good results for two months and we want to continue with this streak of results outside of India. We want to replicate that success in tomorrow’s game against Al-Hussein.”
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Talking about the opponents, Al Hussein, they have been regulars in the ACL Two and are the defending champions of the Jordan Premier League. However, their start to this season has been lacklustre, as the head coach had to resign from his role due to the results in the league as well as the cup competition. However, the team is well-equipped to trouble East Bengal.
The availability of players remained a big concern for Habas, as the Aussie forward had to miss the trip due to fever. So, East Bengal will go with all-Indian forwards against the JPL champions. Midfielder Rashid was also a doubt for the game, but he somehow managed to regain fitness in time to play in this tie. Meanwhile, Croatian defender Diego Zivulic impressed Habas in training, as he is likely to make his debut tomorrow.
EBFC vs AL Hussein SC Details
East Bengal Expected XI: Gill, Anwar, Zivulic, Hardik, Jay, Rashid, Jeakson, Dani, Edmund, Rohit, Bipin
Place: Amman, Jordan
Kick-off: 9:30 PM IST
Live stream: Fancode will live stream the match.
So, this is all about the upcoming match between East Bengal and Al Hussein SC. Follow, Grind India across all platforms to get the latest football updates on Indian Football.