AFC Cup: Both Indian clubs lose

The two Indian participating clubs - Salgaocar SC and East Bengal Club - in the 2012 AFC Cup both suffered defeats in the third round of matches. While East Bengal lost 0-2 at home against Iraqi side Arbil SC, Salgaocar were trashed 5-0 by Al-Wehdat from Jordan.


East Bengal and Arbil played out a dull first session with the red-and-gold having the better chances, but their poor finishing in the continental competition let them down once more. Arbil took a 76th minute lead through a Amjed Radhi strike, while East Bengal conceded a second goal in injury time when Abdulrazak Al Husein finished off a counter attack.

It was East Bengal third defeat in as many matches, which leaves the club with little chance to progress to the AFC Cup pre-quarterfinals.

"We had our chances and played well, but the difference between the two sides was that while Arbil seized the opportunities they created, we missed ours," said East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan.


Al-Wehdat scored a convincing 5-0 win against I-League champions and Federation Cup winners Salgaocar SC which leaves the Goan club with a mountain to climb if they are to make the knockout stage.

A penalty from Abdallah Deeb opened the scoring in the 25th minute at the King Abdullah International Stadium in Amman before Ahmad Elias doubled the advantage just two minutes into the second session. Further second-half goals from Issa Al Sapah, Mahmoud Shelbaieh and Amer Abuhwaiti secured a comfortable win for the Jordanians as Al-Wehdat moved three points clear of third placed Al Arouba, who lost 3-1 to table-topping FC Neftchi in Uzbekistan.

"I didn't expect this performance from Al Wehdat following their recent matches. They were organised and they gave us huge problems and deserved to win," said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa.