Who is David Hmar, the East Bengal striker who scored two goals in AFC Champions League 2?

David Hmar celebrates scoring for East Bengal in the 2026-27 season. | Photo Credit: EBFC Media

East Bengal scored twice in the AFC Champions League Two against Al Shorta on Tuesday, with both goals coming from Indian forward David Lalhlansanga Hmar.

David, who scored a hat-trick in the IFA Shield semifinal against NorthEast United, has become a reliable goalscoring option for the Red-and-Gold Brigade this season.

David was born in Mizoram, and grew up in the youth academy of Aizawl before making his professional debut for the club in the I-League in the 2020–21 season.

He scored five goals in 26 appearances for the club in India’s then top-flight before joining Mohammedan Sporting two years later.

It was here the forward struck fine form, scoring 23 goals in the Calcutta Football League as the Black Panthers completed a hat-trick of CFL titles.

He helped the club win the I-League this season as Mohammedan Sporting became the first club to enter the Indian Super League through promotion. In 2023, he also won the Golden Boot in the Durand Cup, scoring six goals in just three matches.

David joined East Bengal in 2024 on a three-year contract and struggled to find regular first-team opportunities early on. However, with Antonio Lopez Habas taking charge of the club this summer, he has looked to be playing with much more freedom.