Jesin TK emerges as tactical option after East Bengal’s 4-1 win over Al-Arabi
Khel Now reported on 2026-08-17 that East Bengal beat Al-Arabi SC 4-1 to qualify for the group stages of the 2026-27 AFC Champions League, and Jesin TK drew attention for his work in the frontline despite not registering a goal or an assist. The 26-year-old started as East Bengal’s No.9 in that match and was a persistent threat throughout the game.
Jesin was noted for slipping past defenders to deliver the ball into danger zones in the final third and for seeking to help his teammates with his movement and ball-carrying. The report described him as tenacious and hard-working, qualities that have helped him warm up to Antonio Habas since the coach took over the Kolkata giants. The article added that Habas appears to value Jesin because the forward’s attributes fit the coach’s playing style.
Even though Jesin started the Al-Arabi fixture, the piece stated he will not be a regular starter once their Nigerian forward Effiong Nsungusi — the ex-Punjab FC man signed to lead the frontline for the Red & Gold Brigade — joins the squad. The report highlighted Jesin’s positive energy when entering matches and suggested his ability to find free space in and around the opposition penalty area could be especially dangerous against tired defenders, allowing him to attack late chances.
The article emphasised Jesin’s team-oriented approach, noting he repeatedly got in behind centre-backs and looked to pass rather than shoot, and that he set up a brilliant chance for Bipin Singh in the second half which the winger missed. It pointed out that Jesin can create opportunities for teammates through his off-the-ball movement and ball-carrying into the box, traits Habas likes in a player.
On his final-third play, the report said Jesin has a solid understanding of his teammates’ movement and times his off-the-ball runs to reach promising positions inside the opposition’s final third. It recorded that he scored one goal for East Bengal during the 2026 Durand Cup group stages by getting on the end of a delivery, while also noting he is not yet a finished product and requires work on decision-making and finishing.
The article added that Jesin’s unpredictability inside the opponents’ penalty area and his ability to get on the end of crosses could produce decisive moments for East Bengal in the 2026-27 season if Habas continues to develop him. It recommended continued coaching focus on his decision-making and finishing to increase his efficiency in the final third.
With Effiong Nsungusi set to lead the frontline, the piece concluded Jesin is likely to serve as an alternative option rather than a regular starter, and that maintaining his team-first approach and adherence to Habas’s plan should keep him a valued member of the squad.