Sat Oct 26 11:17:54 UTC 2024: **Summary of East Bengal FC’s Upcoming Challenge: AFC Challenge League**

– **Competition Participation**: East Bengal FC will compete in the AFC Challenge League, Asia’s third-tier club football tournament, after a nine-year absence from continental tournaments.

– **Match Details**: Their campaign begins against Bhutanese team Paro FC at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Saturday.

– **Recent Performance**: The Kolkata club faced a setback in the AFC Champions League preliminary stage, suffering a 2-3 defeat to Altyn Asyr FC, which led them to qualify for the Challenge League.

– **Current Struggles**: East Bengal FC is enduring a tough phase with six consecutive defeats in the Indian Super League (ISL) and no points from their last eight matches across all competitions.

– **Squad Changes**: They have strengthened their squad during the summer transfer window with signings like Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, Anwar Ali, and Jeakson Singh but have yet to see results.

– **Coaching Change**: New head coach Oscar Bruzon has taken charge as they seek to improve their performance in the continental tournament.

– **Opposing Team**: Paro FC is in good form, being unbeaten in their last seven matches in the Bhutan Premier League and coming off a successful season where they were crowned champions.

– **Coaching Remarks**: Assistant coach Bino George expressed confidence in the team’s preparations for the Challenge League, emphasizing respect for their opponents.

– **Player Insights**: Midfielder Naorem Mahesh Singh noted the challenges posed by high altitude and artificial turf, reflecting on the competition level expected in the tournament.

– **Upcoming Fixture**: The game between East Bengal FC and Paro FC is highly anticipated in Group A of the Challenge League.

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