Sat Oct 26 11:38:23 UTC 2024: **Summary of the News Article:**

– **Competition Details**: Indian football club East Bengal FC (EBFC) is set to compete in the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 against teams including Bhutan’s Paro FC, Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings, and Lebanon’s Nejmeh, as part of Group A.
– **Match Venue**: Their opening match will be against Paro FC at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.
– **Previous Performance**: EBFC qualified for this tournament after losing in the playoffs of the AFC Champions League Two to Altyn Asyr.
– **Historic Context**: The AFC Challenge League is the third tier of Asian football competitions, previously known as the President’s Cup, and marks EBFC’s return to continental competition since 2015.
– **Tournament Format**: The competition features 18 teams split into groups, with top teams advancing to quarter-finals. Group A matches will take place in Bhutan.
– **Team Status**: EBFC is struggling in the domestic Indian Super League (ISL), having lost all six matches this season, leading to the sacking of former coach Carles Cuadrat. New coach Oscar Bruzon is trying to turn things around post a loss in his first match.
– **Streaming Information**: Matches will be live-streamed on Bhutan Broadcasting Service’s YouTube channel, but no TV broadcast will be available in India.
– **Squad Composition**: A 26-member squad has been announced, featuring players across goalkeeping, defense, midfield, and forward positions.

Overall, the club aims to recover from its poor domestic form during the AFC Challenge League campaign.

Read More