Super Eagles winger Anayo Iwuala scored what looked to be the match-winner for Al Arabi SC, but a dramatic extra-time collapse against East Bengal shattered their AFC Champions League Two dreams.
It was supposed to be a night of celebration for Nigerian international Anayo Iwuala. His 75th-minute spot-kick seemed to have punched Al Arabi SC’s ticket to the AFC Champions League Two group stage. Instead, the match spiraled into pure agony.
Throughout the encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) star was a constant thorn in East Bengal’s side.
His blistering pace and directness were on full display—most notably in a brilliant second-half run where he glided past three defenders before seeing his attempt blocked.
When he eventually stepped up to convert from 12 yards, it felt like the decisive reward for an outstanding solo performance.
Iwuala had already done his part, but football can change in an instant.
Al Arabi’s strong grip on the contest began to slip in the final minute of regulation time when Jay Gupta headed home a set-piece equalizer for the hosts, pushing the high-stakes clash into extra time.
After giving everything across 106 grueling minutes, Iwuala was substituted for Talal Al Qaisi. What unfolded from the bench was a nightmare for the Kuwaiti side:
Within a 13-minute span in extra time, East Bengal tore through Al Arabi’s defense, turning a tight contest into a stunning 4-1 rout.
⚽ 90′ — Jay Gupta equalizes late for East Bengal to force extra time.
⚽ 108’–120′ — East Bengal score three quickfire goals in extra time to win.
The heavy defeat marks back-to-back losses for Al Arabi following a 3-1 preseason friendly defeat against Erzurumspor.
Despite the bitter outcome, Iwuala leaves India with his head held high after another sharp continental performance.
The 27-year-old will aim to carry his scoring form into domestic action when Al Arabi kicks off their 2026/27 Kuwaiti Premier League campaign against Al Kuwait SC on Tuesday.