AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: All India Football Federation (AIFF) congratulated East Bengal on sealing a berth in the semifinal of the AFC Cup after beating Indonesia’s Semen Padang 2-1 on aggregate over two legs on Tuesday (September 24, 2013).

East Bengal’s James Moga came off the bench to cancel out Padang’s Edward Junior Wilson first half strike to edge past the Indonesian outfit 2-1 on aggregate courtesy the red and gold brigade’s 1-0 win at home last Tuesday (September 17, 2013).

AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel lauded the Kolkata outfit for their achievement. “I congratulate East Bengal Club for their historic triumph. I wish them luck for the semifinals,” Mr. Patel said.

AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das sounded extremely thrilled.

“This is a tremendous achievement. East Bengal until this match had won all their matches which speaks volumes about their performance at the International Level. This is a proud moment for Indian Football. I wish them all the very best for the semifinals.”

East Bengal become the first Indian Club since Dempo (in 2008) to reach the last-four stage of the AFC Cup, which is equivalent to Europe’s Europa League.