Seeb opened their AFC Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against India’s East Bengal at Seeb Stadium on Tuesday, earning their first point in Group D but missing several opportunities to secure a win. Despite late pressure, including a stoppage-time shot that struck the post and a close-range effort saved by East Bengal’s goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, the home side were unable to find a breakthrough.
The draw leaves Seeb bottom of the group, with one point from three matches, trailing East Bengal by a point. Iraq’s Al Shorta maintain the lead in the group with seven points following a 1-1 draw against Jordan’s Al Hussein, who hold second place on five points.
Seeb dominated the early stages of the match, controlling possession and probing the East Bengal defense. Early chances came from Abdulmajeed al Balushi and Ahmed al Riyami, the latter narrowly missing the target after a setup from Abdulaziz al Maqbali. East Bengal gradually grew into the match, with David Lalhlansanga and Anwar Ali producing attempts that challenged Seeb’s goalkeeper Mutasim al Wahaibi.
Despite brief spells of attacking promise from both sides, neither was able to convert possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities before halftime, as inaccurate passing and off-target shots hindered their efforts.
The second half saw a more open contest. East Bengal’s Edmund Lalrindika threatened with a chance early after the restart but failed to score, while Seeb’s Axel Meye also missed a scoring opportunity by dragging his shot wide following a pass from Augustine Oladapo. Seeb introduced fresh attacking players—Issa al Buraidi, Omar al Malki, and Zaher al Aghbari—in an attempt to increase the tempo and create better scoring chances.
Seeb continued to press, with al Balushi firing over and Oladapo forcing saves from Lachenpa, though East Bengal remained dangerous on the counterattack. Lalrindika tested al Wahaibi multiple times, and Bipin Singh nearly capitalized late in the match, prompting a key save from the home goalkeeper.
In the final minutes, Seeb intensified their efforts. Al Buraidi’s header tested Lachenpa, and Al Malki missed a headed opportunity. Mohammed Ramadan and Mulham al Sinaidi also created chances, but the breakthrough eluded them. In stoppage time, Hassan al Ajmi’s shot struck the post, and soon after, Lachenpa denied al Aghbari’s attempt, preserving East Bengal’s clean sheet.
The teams are set to face each other again on November 3 in Kolkata, a match that will be crucial for both sides as they aim to improve their chances of advancing from the group stage.