Who are East Bengal's AFC Champions League 2 rival Al-Shorta?

Kolkata: ISL 2025-26 champion East Bengal are all set to host Iraqi giant Al-Shorta for their second AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2) Group stage clash at Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, that is all decked up to stage ISL 2026-27, ACL 2 after hosting Brazil and Uruguay earlier this month. The kick off is slated 7:15 PM IST and East Bengal have vital points at stake as the top 2 teams in each group will advance to Round of 16.

East Bengal enter into the game having tied their last game against Jordan's Al Hussein 2-2. The Red and Yellow brigade were riding on back of goals of Dani Ramirez and Anwar Ali but Al Hussein equalized late in second half to deny East Bengal a win at war struck Jordan.

Now they're all set to face Al-Shorta of Iraq in a vital clash. But how strong are Al-Shorta?

What's their history and how much threat they pose to East Bengal?