East Bengal to host Al-Arabi in AFC Champions League Two preliminary qualifier on August 12

East Bengal FC will face Kuwaiti side Al-Arabi SC at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 12 August 2026 in the AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Qualifier, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 IST.

East Bengal reached the Asian qualifying stage after winning the ISL 2025-26 title under Oscar Bruzon, ending a 22-year wait for the national league crown. The squad has seen turnover since that triumph, with several players departing and new Indian and foreign recruits arriving under incoming coach Antonio Lopez Habas as the club prepares for continental competition.

Defender Nacho Monsalve has suffered an injury and did not attend a training session ahead of the tie, a development that has left his involvement in the 12 August match in doubt. Monsalve’s absence raises the possibility that East Bengal will field an all-Indian defensive unit for the qualifier.

Anwar Ali is highlighted as a principal defensive presence after a consistent ISL campaign that the article credits as playing a key role in East Bengal’s title win. He is expected to marshal the back line, provide leadership on and off the ball, and guide new recruit Sandip Mandi, who arrived during the transfer window.

Dani Ramirez impressed after his first start in the Durand Cup 2026, when he scored with his left foot, and the club’s report points to his experience as an asset for the match against Al-Arabi. Ramirez is described as capable of creating chances for the front three and as a player who can help fill the void left by Miguel Figueira, who joined Mohun Bagan ahead of the new season and has already started training there.

MD Rashid is presented as the midfield pivot retained from the title-winning side, credited with dynamic movement, passing, game reading and set-piece delivery. The piece notes Rashid’s tackling and duel-winning attributes and says he will be important in linking East Bengal’s defence to its attack during the qualifier.

Home supporters can attend the match at Salt Lake Stadium, and the fixture will be available to view on the Fancode application; the match remains East Bengal’s next confirmed competitive fixture. The article was reported by Rohit Mistri, a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience covering Indian football.