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East Bengal FC: East Bengal is aiming to prove itself once again in Asian club football. In the first match of the AFC Champions League-2 (AFC Champions League 2) group stage, Red-Yellow will play against the current champion of Jordan, Al Hussein. The match will be played at Amman International Stadium on September 16. Before that, East Bengal will leave for Jordan on Saturday. A long tour, a foreign field and strong opponents all put the red-yellow in front of a tough test. However, before the match, the coach of the team, Antonio Lopez Habas (Antonio Lopez Habas), spoke of confidence.

The opponent is strong, Habas is not afraid

Al Hussein has been dominant in Jordanian club football for the past few years. They have become champions of the first division of the country three times in a row. This Jordanian club has proved its ability on the Asian stage as well. After reaching the last sixteen in one season, they reached the quarter-finals the very next season. Attacking football is one of Al Hussein’s biggest weapons. Attacking at a fast pace and putting pressure on the opposition from the start is one of the hallmarks of their game. There were five footballers from this club in the Jordanian national team squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Al Hussain is more powerful in the new striker

Habas team has made enough inquiries about the opponent. According to the East Bengal coach, Al Hussain is stronger than ever with the addition of two new strikers. Besides, going down to the field after a long trip of about 30 hours is going to be a big challenge for the red and yellow. However, Habas is unwilling to think too much about these things. According to him, apart from keeping an eye on the opponent’s strength, we should match our own game properly. In other words, he does not want to change his plan and only play defensive football even if it is a match in a foreign field.

‘Never settle for a draw’

Habas made it clear that he does not have the mentality to go to Jordan and be happy with a draw in the first match. The East Bengal coach is clear, he never takes the team down for a draw. No matter how strong the opponent, there is no reason to underestimate yourself before the match. According to Habas, East Bengal can produce positive results if they maintain discipline on the field and take the right decisions at the right time. Perfect execution of their plans is one of the keys to winning matches for him.

Trust David-Jasin-Edmund

Habas has no worries about East Bengal’s striker department. He has full confidence in David, Jessin Tick and Edmund Lalrindika. David, who has been in great form especially recently, is seen by the coach as an important weapon. At the same time, he also highlighted the importance of Jessin. Habas said that Edmund, who came into discussion with a hat-trick in the Durand Cup derby, is also working regularly. However, after a good match, the coach wants to keep an eye on Edmund’s continuous improvement without getting overly excited.

Red-yellow relief in the injury list

Even with the team’s injury situation, East Bengal is somewhat relieved for now. Jasin TK and PV Vishnu may be ready for the match. Chris Economidis is also fully fit and fit to play 90 minutes. Mohammed Rashid is also going to Jordan with the team after recovering from injury. As a result, Habas is getting multiple options before the important match. After completing the last full practice at home, now waiting to give their best on foreign soil. The strength of the opposition, the long tour and the new environment — nothing can shake Habas’ confidence. His message is only one – victory is not impossible if we play our football properly for 90 minutes.