Top five players for East Bengal FC to watch out from AFC Challenge League opponent FK Arkadag

The Torchbearers face a tough challenge from the Turkmenistan champions in the first leg.

Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal FC will closely monitor Turkmenistan side FK Arkadag ahead of their high-stakes knockout encounter in the AFC Challenge League. After finishing on top of Group A, the Torchbearers will welcome the Group B winners to the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in the tie’s first leg.

Arkadag had a tough start after losing 3-2 in their first group-stage game to Kuwaiti side Al Arabi SC. However, the Ýokary Liga champions bounced back with two impressive wins over FC Abdysh-Ata and Maziya Sports & RC to top their group.

Ahead of their upcoming encounter against the Torchbearers, let us take a look at their top performers in the AFC Challenge League this season:

5.  Rustem Ahallyyev

The 22-year-old shot-stopper has been the club’s starting goalkeeper in all three AFC Challenge League group matches. Ahallyyev has been a steady figure in the goal and made some last-ditch saves to keep his side in games.

Ahallyev was also part of the Arkadag squad, which had been unbeaten in 30 games in the Ýokary Liga last season. While he kept only one clean sheet in three games in the AFC Challenge League, Ahallyyev remains a key player in the upcoming games.  

4. Abdy Byashimov

The 29-year-old centre-back has also been one of the indispensable members of the FK Arkadag squad this season. He has totalled 252 out of 270 minutes of AFC Challenge League action and has been a solid presence for the Turkmenistan side.

In the three AFC Challenge League games this season, Byashimov has maintained a clean sheet and scored a goal for his side. Ahead of the East Bengal FC encounter, the Turkmenistan defender will be a key player both in defence and offensive set-piece opportunities.

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3. Shamammet Hydyrov

This season, the 24-year-old left winger in the AFC Challenge League has been one of the darkhorse performers for the Turkmenistan side. Hydyrov, while only totalling 127 minutes in the continental tournament, has contributed with a goal in his three appearances.  

Hydyrov helped his side open the scoring against FC Abdysh-Ata in the 27th minute after he showed great anticipation to pounce on a loose ball in the six-yard box. The Balkananad native will be a key player again when his side takes the field in Kolkata on Wednesday.

2. Arslanmurad Amanov

The FK Arkadag captain will be a key presence for his side against the Torchbearers against East Bengal FC. Amanov has been the creative spark for his side this season and has supplied two assists for his side in the AFC Challenge League.

Besides his passing ability, his leadership has been key for FK Arkadag in challenging situations. Amanov has created a winning mentality within the side and encouraged them to take chances as and when they appear. 

1. Begench Akmammedov

Akmammedov will be the player to watch out for against the Torchbearers in the upcoming first-leg game in Kolkata. The 26-year-old right-winger has been an impact substitute for his side and has contributed with two goals in his two appearances this season.

With 19 goals in the Ýokary Liga last season for FK Arkadag, Akmammedov will again be the danger man for East Bengal defenders to keep a check throughout the game.

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