AFC Challenge League 2024-25, East Bengal’s Rival Watch: Nejmeh SC biggest threat in group stage

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The AFC Challenge League 2024-25 will see East Bengal FC play against Lebanese side Nejmeh Sc after being pitted together in Group A. The match will take place on November 1 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.

Despite the group containing clubs such as Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings and Bhutan’s Paro FC, Nejmeh represents the biggest threat to East Bengal’s qualification to the knockout stages.

Let’s have a look at the Nejmeh SC squad in details, including their star players and recent form.

Star Players

#1. Rabih Ataya

The veteran winger has been likened to Riyad Mahrez for his flair and technical ability, he has been one of the most important players for Lebanon. The new signing has already scored in his league debut for Nejmeh SC and will look to keep up that form at the AFC Challenge League.

#2. Ali Sabeh

Ali Sabeh may be the third-choice goalkeeper in the Lebanon national team, but he is very much the No. 1 in Nejmeh SC’s matchday squads. The 30-year-old has played in 75 official matches for the club, keeping clean sheets in around half of them.

#3. Kassem El Zein

Kassem El Zein is not only Nejmeh SC’s captain but also the anchor in their backline. The centre-back has played more than one hundred games for Nejmeh SC along with 45 caps for Lebanon, and will be crucial in their bid to win the AFC Challenge League 2024-25.

Recent Form

Nejmeh SC won their first match in the Lebanese Premier League on September 22, defeating Chabab Ghazieh SC by 3-0. However, the club is yet to play any more matches, with league football in Lebanon indefinitely suspended due to Israel’s conflict in Palestine.

However, in the last season of the Lebanese Premier League, Nejmeh SC finished in second position. They ended the season level on points with table-topper Al-Ahed, but lost the title on goal difference.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Nejmeh SC has a solid core of players who have been with them for a while. Players such as Mahdi Zein, Hasan Kourani, Kassem El Zein, and Ali Sabeh have been in the club for three years or longer, leading to a strong understanding between them.

However, the club has also been active in the transfer market, bringing in players such as Lebanese international Hussein Monzer. Most importantly, Nejmeh SC have the experience of being runners-up in the AFC Cup in 2005, and can use that as added motivation to recreate their glory days in the continental tournament.

Weaknesses

The biggest challenge for Nejmeh SC is the lack of regular competitive football. Lebanon suspended all footballing activities on September 24, two days after their first and only league match, due to conflicts with Israel.

The club has not played any competitive football since, and there are bound to be some rusty legs in the squad who will need time before they hit top gear. This is something that East Bengal, and other clubs in Group A, can exploit against Nejmeh SC.

Furthermore, Nejmeh is essentially a Lebanese team, with their only foreign players being two Ghanaian centre-backs. This lack of diverse footballing culture makes them a one-dimensional club, which the East Bengal backroom will undoubtedly be trying to work out.