Seeb rue missed chances as East Bengal hold firm

Seeb opened their AFC Champions League Two points account but were left frustrated by a goalless draw against India’s East Bengal at Seeb Stadium on Tuesday, with a late attacking push failing to produce the breakthrough.
Hassan al Ajmi struck the post in stoppage time before Zaher al Aghbari was denied by goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, as the hosts came close to turning their first point in Group D into a much-needed victory.
The result leaves Seeb bottom of the group with one point from three matches, one behind third-placed East Bengal. Iraq’s Al Shorta lead with seven points following a 1-1 draw against Jordan’s Al Hussein, who remain second on five.
Seeb enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, moving the ball confidently and looking to stretch the visitors’ defence. Abdulmajeed al Balushi provided an early test for Lachenpa, while Ahmed al Riyami later curled an effort narrowly off target after being set up by Abdulaziz al Maqbali.
East Bengal gradually found their rhythm. David Lalhlansanga forced Mutasim al Wahaibi into action before sending a header wide, while Anwar Ali failed to keep a long-range attempt down.
For all their spells of possession, neither side could establish a sustained threat before the interval, with promising moves repeatedly undone by an inaccurate final ball or wayward finishing.
The contest opened up after the restart. Edmund Lalrindika threatened for East Bengal in the 49th minute, but could not find the target after breaking into the penalty area. Seeb responded through Axel Meye, who dragged his effort across goal after receiving a chipped pass from Augustine Oladapo.
The introductions of Issa al Buraidi, Omar al Malki and Al Aghbari gave Seeb fresh attacking impetus as the hosts sought greater urgency in the final third.
Al Balushi fired over and Oladapo drew a save from Lachenpa, although East Bengal continued to carry a threat on the counter. Al Wahaibi remained alert, keeping out another effort from Lalrindika as the visitors searched for an opening.
Seeb increased the pressure in the closing stages. Al Buraidi tested Lachenpa with a header, while Al Malki headed over as the home side struggled to turn their opportunities into a decisive goal.
At the other end, Bipin Singh came close to punishing Seeb, forcing Al Wahaibi into a difficult save with ten minutes remaining.
The hosts fashioned further chances through Mohammed Ramadan and Mulham al Sinaidi before Al Ajmi’s stoppage-time strike hit the upright. Lachenpa then kept out Al Aghbari to preserve East Bengal’s clean sheet and leave Seeb still searching for their first group-stage win.
The teams meet again in Kolkata on November 3, with both needing a victory to strengthen their qualification prospects.