Fri Nov 01 13:18:32 UTC 2024: ## East Bengal FC Clinches Knockout Stage Berth in AFC Challenge League

**Kolkata, India** – Dimitrios Diamantakos was the hero for East Bengal FC, scoring a brace to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Nejmeh SC of Lebanon in their final Group A match of the 2024/25 AFC Challenge League on Friday. This win catapulted East Bengal to the top of the group with seven points, guaranteeing their spot in the quarter-finals of the inaugural tournament.

The match was a tense affair, with both teams fighting for a crucial win. Nejmeh, who had won their previous two games, started the game with a strong offensive display, taking an early two-goal lead. However, East Bengal, who were trailing by two points going into the match, fought back with a resilient performance.

Diamantakos, in fine form, scored two goals, including a crucial penalty in the 77th minute, to secure the win for East Bengal. The Indian side also benefited from an own goal by Nejmeh’s Baba Musah in the 8th minute.

Despite Nejmeh’s comeback attempts, East Bengal held on to claim the victory. Nejmeh, with six points, will have to wait to see if they qualify for the quarter-finals as the best runners-up from the West Zone.

This victory marks a significant step forward for East Bengal FC in the AFC Challenge League, with the Indian side now looking forward to the exciting challenge of the quarter-finals.

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