East Bengal 2-3 Al-Shorta: David scores twice but Ramirez (8/10) shines as Zivulic struggles
East Bengal FC suffered a 2-3 defeat to Al-Shorta SC in Kolkata in the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 clash, despite taking the lead twice through David Lalhlansanga, who scored a first-half brace.
Al-Shorta rallied with an Ahmed Yahya equaliser before half-time and second-half strikes from Hussein Ali Jasim Al Saedi and Kingsley Kuku to complete the turnaround. The Iraqi side finished the match with 10 men after Abdoul Moumouni received a second yellow card. The result denied East Bengal a chance to record their first win in the ACL Two group stage.
Goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill received a 6/10 rating after conceding three goals; the report noted that while the defence shared responsibility, Gill could have performed better between the sticks. Diego Zivulic and Hardik Bhatt were singled out as sources of defensive instability, with specific criticism aimed at Zivulic for his lack of defensive support.
Diego Zivulic was described as "absolutely out of touch" and unable to contribute offensively, failing to control the ball on the flanks and being outclassed during counterattacks and corner kicks; he was substituted in the latter half by Bipin Singh. Bipin, however, was assessed as having no impact after coming on for Hardik Bhatt.
Mohammed Basim Rashid was also given a 6/10 and praised for his influence in midfield and leadership as captain, remaining a constant threat and being involved in East Bengal's second goal while missing a few chances of his own. Jeakson Singh was judged not to be at his best in midfield, Lalchungnunga was described as decent at the back but lacking support, and Jay Gupta was noted as functional and disciplined on the flanks.
Daniel Ramirez Fernandez earned an 8/10 and was rated one of East Bengal's top performers alongside David; Ramirez was involved in both East Bengal goals and was substituted in the second half for Ake Loba. David Lalhlansanga completed his brace with a right-footed finish from close range following a set-piece situation, with Mohammed Rashid credited with the assist.
Substitutes Lukasz Zwolinski and Ake Loba had limited impact: Zwolinski was proactive after entering but saw several shots saved by Jalal Hassan, the Al-Shorta goalkeeper, and Loba's inclusion did not alter the scoreline. The report also noted "Edmund" as quick on the flanks and in attack but unable to break down the Al-Shorta defence.
The defeat leaves East Bengal without a victory in the ACL Two group stage after a match in which they led twice but were overtaken, with Al-Shorta converting an equaliser and two second-half goals to secure a 3-2 win.