Kolkata, January 24: Newly crowned Federation Cup champions East Bengal will face an acid test when they battle it off with Al-Ittihad of Syria in their opening Group D match of the AFC Cup 2010 at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Group D consist of Al Nejmeh (Lebanon) and Al Qadsia (Kuwait) besides East Bengal and Al-Ittihad of Syria.
Indian clubs are traditionally drawn with the clubs from Central Asia and the Gulf countries who are physically more stronger and often had to play matches in extreme heat.
The best show ever by an Indian club in AFC Cup is the semi-final appearance of Dempo SC in 2007.
The red and gold brigade’s first away match will be at Lebanon where they will play Al Nejmeh on March 17. Before facing Al Qadsia (Kuwait) on March 24 at home and away play against the same side on April 6, against Al Ittihad of Syria away on April 20 and will play their final group game against Al Nejmeh (Lebanon) at home on April 27.
East Bengal are the only Indian representative at the AFC Cup 2010 for the time being as I-League Champions Churchill Brothers are involved in the play-off for a spot in AFC Champions League. But will play in the AFC Cup if they fail to win the one-off play-off match.
Churchill Brothers are just a win away from playing in the champions League as they have received a first round bye and will face the winners Al Karamah of Syria and Al Wahda of UAE. The time and place of the match will be announced later.
A victory in the play-off could see Churchill Brothers facing clubs from Iran, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia in Asia’s top club competition.
–Agencies