East Bengal thrashed 1-4 by Malaysian club in AFC Cup

Eelco Schattorie got a reality check on his debut as East Bengal coach when his side were handed a 1-4 thrashing by Johor Darul Ta'zim in their Group F opening fixture of the AFC Cup at the Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium here today.

The hosts might not have had a good start to their Malaysian Super League campaign but they came into their act and toyed East Bengal defence at ease with Nazrin Nawi putting the team ahead in the ninth minute.

Ranti Martins scored the equaliser in the 34th minute but the East Bengal joy was shortlived as Johar Darul Ta'zim snatched the lead when Safiq Rahim converted a penalty in the 37th minute.

S Chanturu (47th) and Safee Sali (53rd) completed the rout after the changeover to hand the Malaysian side a superb win on their AFC Cup debut.

Schattorie, who replaced Armando Colaco before coming here, had expressed apprehension about their poor defence and in absence of Raju Gaikwad and Arnab Mondal, the Dutchman's worst fears came true as the red and gold brigade failed to contain the rampaging local outfit.

East Bengal next face Hong Kong's Kitchee at home on March 10 in their next fixture.