AFC Challenge League Highlights: FK Arkadag knock East Bengal out with narrow win

Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal FC aim to produce an inspired comeback in the second leg of their AFC Challenge League quarter-final clash against FK Arkadag at the Arkadag Stadium in Arkadag, Turkmenistan, on Wednesday (12 March, 2025).

The Torchbearers find themselves in desperate need to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg with a clinical effort in the upcoming game. East Bengal faces a stern challenge against the rugged Turkmenistan side at their own yard, with a hostile crowd creating an intimidating atmosphere.

The Stakes

FK Arkadag

The Turkmenistan side, which is currently beginning its new campaign, showcased admirable resilience in the first leg of Kolkata. They devised a relatively simple game plan of pushing hard for an opening goal and then just sitting back to defend their lead. However, Arkadag will likely have a more expansive, attack-minded approach in their yard.

They will try to take the fight to the East Bengal side by constantly changing them with terrorizing attacks to thrill their fans. Arkadag will push to get a few early goals, which can significantly improve their chances of progressing. Another win over East Bengal can significantly bolster the players’ confidence and self-belief heading into the semi-final. However, if they lose after their heroics in Kolkata, Arkadag could have the worst possible start to their new campaign.

East Bengal FC

East Bengal FC will need to be more decisive in taking their chances to get a significant turnaround in Arkadag. East Bengal put up a tough fight in the first leg, but they must be more innovative in breaching the Turkmenistan side’s backline and have a chance of getting a fighting result. Oscar Bruzon probably has to switch up some of his side’s attacking patterns, making them more expressive with their chances and bringing more variety to moving the ball forward.

He will need his forward players to be clinical in taking their chances and his backline to be at their sharpest and not allow Arkadag to pounce with momentary lapses in concentration. East Bengal could get a positive result if able to tap into their most clinical, and a win can save their 2024-25 campaign from being deemed a failure. A loss would require them to give their all in the upcoming Super Cup.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played – 1

FK Arkdag wins – 1

East Bengal wins – 0

Draws – 0

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