AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Round Schedule: East Bengal, Altyn Asyr, Al-Ahli, Al-Kuwait

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The 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two, the 21st edition of Asia's secondary club football competition, brings renewed excitement as it transitions from the AFC Cup to a new, streamlined format.

This rebranded tournament offers 32 teams the opportunity to compete on a grander stage, aligning more closely with the prestigious AFC Champions League.

Playoff Schedule

East Bengal, one of Kolkata's football giants, is set to make their mark in this revamped competition. The club's journey begins on August 14, 2024, in the preliminary round, where they will face Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

This match has garnered significant attention, as it marks East Bengal's return to continental football after a decade-long absence. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 UTC, and the excitement among the local fans is palpable.

East Bengal qualified for the AFC Champions League 2 by winning the 2024 Indian Super Cup. The team has bolstered its squad with strategic foreign signings, including Madih Talal and Dimitri Diamantakos, to strengthen their chances in the tournament. The competition's rules allow for up to six foreign players in the lineup, and East Bengal aims to leverage this advantage to secure a spot in the group stages.

The revamped format of the AFC Champions League 2 features preliminary rounds, group stages, and knockout rounds, culminating in the final on May 17, 2025. East Bengal must first overcome Altyn Asyr to join the 30 teams that have already secured direct entry into the group stage. Should they succeed, East Bengal will continue their journey, with the group stage matches kicking off on September 17, 2024.

This match is a pivotal moment for East Bengal, and their passionate supporters are eager to see their team excel on the continental stage. The road ahead is challenging, but the club's rich history and recent squad enhancements position them as strong contenders in this prestigious tournament.

The AFC Champions League 2 offers East Bengal an opportunity to reclaim their status as a formidable force in Asian football, and the upcoming match against Altyn Asyr is the first step towards that goal. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as East Bengal aims to advance in this historic competition.