East Bengal vs FC Arkadag AFC Challenge League quarterfinal first leg saw East Bengal suffer a narrow 0-1 defeat against FC Arkadag of Turkmenistan on Wednesday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
The crucial away goal came early, with Yazguly Gurbanow finding the net in the 10th minute — giving FC Arkadag a slender advantage heading into the second leg.
With the AFC Challenge League semifinal spot on the line, Oscar Bruzon’s men now face a challenging trip to Turkmenistan on March 12 — where they must overturn the deficit to keep their continental dreams alive.
Let’s break down the key moments, match stats, and what lies ahead for both sides in this East Bengal vs FC Arkadag AFC Challenge League showdown.
⚽ East Bengal vs FC Arkadag: Match Summary
- Result: East Bengal 0-1 FC Arkadag
- Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
- Competition: AFC Challenge League Quarterfinal (1st Leg)
- Goal: Yazguly Gurbanow (10’)
The highly anticipated East Bengal vs FC Arkadag AFC Challenge League match began with early drama as Yazguly Gurbanow scored the match’s only goal in the 10th minute — pouncing on a defensive lapse by East Bengal.
Despite dominating possession for large stretches, East Bengal struggled to break down Arkadag’s well-organized defense. Attempts from Cleiton Silva and Nandhakumar Sekar failed to hit the target, while Mahesh Singh came close with a late header.
Oscar Bruzon’s side will now need a strong response in the away leg to keep their AFC Challenge League hopes alive.
📊 Match Stats: East Bengal vs FC Arkadag
- Possession: East Bengal 62% – 38% FC Arkadag
- Shots: East Bengal 12 – 5 FC Arkadag
- Shots on Target: East Bengal 4 – 2 FC Arkadag
- Corners: East Bengal 7 – 3 FC Arkadag
- Fouls: East Bengal 10 – 8 FC Arkadag
🔥 Key Moments: East Bengal vs FC Arkadag AFC Challenge League
-
Early Blow (10’):
Yazguly Gurbanow broke the deadlock for Arkadag, capitalizing on a defensive miscommunication by East Bengal. -
Cleiton Silva’s Miss (27’):
The Brazilian striker fired just wide from a promising free-kick, missing a golden chance to equalize. -
Bruzon’s Tactical Shift (60’):
Coach Oscar Bruzon introduced Suhair VP and Jordan Elsey in an attempt to add attacking firepower, but Arkadag’s defense held firm. -
Late Drama (88’):
Mahesh Singh’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Arkadag’s goalkeeper, denying East Bengal a crucial equalizer.
🌟 What’s Next: East Bengal vs FC Arkadag 2nd Leg
The return leg is set for March 12, 2025, in Turkmenistan.
- For East Bengal: They must score at least two goals without conceding to advance to the semifinals — a tough task but not impossible for Bruzon’s attacking unit.
- For FC Arkadag: A draw or even a narrow defeat (if they score) will see them through on away goals.
Can East Bengal mount a thrilling comeback, or will FC Arkadag hold their nerve at home?
📺 East Bengal vs FC Arkadag: How to Watch the Second Leg
When: Tuesday, March 12, 2025
Kick-off: 8:00 PM IST / 7:30 PM TMT
Where: Ashgabat Stadium, Turkmenistan
Live Streaming & Telecast:
- India: Sports18 / JioCinema
- Turkmenistan: Türkmenistan Sport
- International: AFC Live streaming platform (where available)