AFC Cup: Kind draw keeps Dempo’s 2008 feat within East Bengal’s reach

In truth, Semen Padang’s real qualities weren’t visible in the twin clashes against Churchill Brothers and they also needed an injury time winner to go past Vietnam’s SHB Da Nang in the round of 16. So East Bengal have their work cut out to find out more about Padang and their strengths and weaknesses.

But the red-and-gold brigade would still fancy their chances. In the group stage, the Kolkata giants outclassed Singapore champions Tampines Rovers home and away and outplayed Malaysisa’ Selangor and Sai Gon Xuan Thanh of Vietnam in Kolkata.

The squad under Trevor Morgan clearly learnt how to play against South-East Asian teams and the club management have been successful in retaining majority of that team. The departure of Morgan will be a massive blow and it remains to be seen how Brazilian Marcos Falopa adjusts to Indian football but it could have been worse for East Bengal had they drawn a West Asian side.

Semene Padang’s top scorer Edward Junior Wilson (no.22) could join Mohun Bagan

The subplot of this clash is the possibility of Padang’s top scorer Edward Junior Wilson, who has scored nine in six AFC Cup matches so far, joining Mohun Bagan. East Bengal won’t mind that but even in Wilson’s presence they are well capable of beating the current Indonesian league leaders over two legs.

The preparation for both clubs in the lead up to the AFC Cup quarters will be contrasting – and this is where the tie could be won or lost – as Semen Padang will be entering the business end of their domestic league campaign while it could be East Bengal’s first competitive match of the new season as the start of the I-League will be delayed due to the SAFF Cup in Nepal.

Either Padang will feel the burden of a long domestic season or East Bengal players could lack sharpness early into the new campaign.

But one thing’s for sure, East Bengal do stand a better chance of beating Semen Padang than any of the remaining West-Asian quarter-finalists. So their players, new head coach, club management and fans can still have realistic ambitions of matching Dempo’s 2008 feat.