East Bengal FC: East Bengal FC face Iraq’s Al Shorta SC on Tuesday, October 13 in Group D of the AFC Champions League 2. The match will start at 7:15 PM at Yuva Bharati Sports Stadium in Kolkata. Antonio López Habas’ team had to draw 2-2 after leading 2-0 in the first match against Jordan’s Al Hussein. Dani Ramirez and Anwar Ali scored in that match. This time, the main goal of red-yellow is to pick up three points at home. But that task won’t be easy against a formidable opponent like Al Haddah. So the performance of some important footballers of East Bengal will be closely watched.
Dani Ramirez: Mastermind of the attack
Midfield | Trust in creativity
Dani Ramirez is one of the most important footballers in East Bengal’s attack. He proved his effectiveness by scoring in the first match against Al Hussain. His role can be crucial in creating attacks from midfield, finding gaps in opposition defenses and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. If Al Hada pressures the midfield, Ramirez’s ball-handling and quick passing skills will help East Bengal attack. Not only scoring goals, but also the responsibility of maintaining the attacking rhythm of the whole team will be on his shoulders.
Anwar Ali: Defensive tackle as well as goalscoring weapon
Defender Dangerous at set-pieces
Anwar Ali also scored against Al Hussain. As a result, there will naturally be expectations about him against the conditions. But his importance is not limited to scoring goals. Anwar’s role is also important in tackling opposition attacks, intercepting dangerous crosses and bringing the ball out of defence. His height and heading ability, especially during set-pieces, could become an added weapon for East Bengal. His job will be to block the attacking side of Al-Adha and create danger in the opponent’s box if given a chance.
Ake Loba: Foreign striker in search of goals
Forward Big confidence inside the box
Ake Loba’s role can be crucial in creating pressure on the opposition’s defence. His presence in East Bengal’s attack gives Habas the opportunity to use multiple strategies. Creating space in the box, keeping defenders busy and taking advantage of goal opportunities—these are the three areas where Loba’s performance will be on the lookout. If Al Hadd’s defense tries to stifle East Bengal’s attacks from midfield, it will be necessary to use the strikers to move the ball forward quickly. Whether or not Loba gets a chance in the first eleven is also important.
Nsungusi Effiong: Relying on speed and attacking mentality
Forward Pressure on the opponent’s defense
Nsungusi Effiong can also play a key role in East Bengal’s attack. His pace and ability to run in behind opposition defenses can test Al Hadd’s defenders. Especially if East Bengal want to counter-attack quickly rather than keep possession, a forward like Effiong will be more effective. But it is not just speed, it is also important to make the right decisions at the last moment and convert the opportunities into goals. If he develops an understanding with Loba in attack, the chances of red-yellow goals can increase.
Mohammad Rashid: Midfield balance and leadership
Midfield | The responsibility of the captain
Fans will also be interested in Mohammed Rashid. As the captain of East Bengal, it is important for him to keep the team organized and maintain balance in the midfield. It is important not only to attack against an opponent like Al Hada, but also to quickly return to defense after losing the ball. If Rashid can block the opposition’s passing lanes in the midfield and help creative footballers like Ramirez in attack, then East Bengal can gain an advantage. His role will also be important in controlling the pace of the match and maintaining coordination among teammates.
Habas’ strategy may be the last word
Apart from the individual skills of the five footballers, East Bengal’s success will depend on team cohesion. Al Khoda is one of the strongest clubs in Iraq and has the experience of finishing runners-up in the domestic league in the 2025-26 season. As a result, there is no opportunity to take the opponent lightly. Habs will need to adopt a strategy that allows Ramirez to create attacks, Loba and Effiong to get scoring opportunities and Anwar Ali to keep the defense strong. Despite coming close to winning the first match, East Bengal had to share the points. Now the goal is to avoid that mistake and get full points.
All in all, Dani Ramirez’s creativity, Anwar Ali’s defensive prowess, Ake Loba and Nsungusi Effiong’s scoring prowess, and Mohammed Rashid’s leadership—these five aspects can shape the fate of the match. However, the list of potentially important footballers does not necessarily mean that they will all be in the starting XI. In the end, Habas’ team selection, match conditions and ability to capitalize on opportunities will determine whether East Bengal wins or faces a tough test at the Yuva Bharati.