May 6, 2004

East Bengal are assured of first place in Group E after a 1-1 draw with closest challengers Geylang United in Kolkota.

East Bengal lead Geylang United by 3 points with 1 game remaining but their superior head-to-head record against the Eagles ensures that they will finish first in the group

In Kolkota, the new crowned Indian NFL Champion bombarded the Eagles goal after the Eagles took the lead when Geylang United skipper Aleksander Duric crossed for Daniel Hill to score the opening goal, silencing the crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium.

East Bengal dominated the proceedings after that as the Eagles fall back to defend their slender lead. The India NFL Champion squandered several opportunities before finally getting their reward when Mike Okoro found the net for to make it 1-1.

It is certainly a great way for the Indian Champion to celebrate their crowning as they qualify for the knockout stage of the AFC Cup.

The Eagles though will have to wait for AFC to clear the air on how they intend to choose the 3 runner-up to join the 5 group winners.

• Negri Sembilan (Malaysia) vs East Bengal (India)
• Geylang United vs Island FC (Maldives)