Indian Super League (ISL) side East Bengal FC are determined to stage a spirited comeback in the second leg of their AFC Challenge League quarter-final against FK Arkadag at the Arkadag Stadium in Turkmenistan on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Indian Super League (ISL) outfit East Bengal FC face a defining moment in their season as they travel to Turkmenistan for the second leg of their AFC Challenge League quarter-final clash against FC Arkadag on Wednesday.
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FK Arkadag vs East Bengal FC: Preview
A lone 11th-minute goal from Ýazgylyç Gurbanow in the first leg remains the only difference between the two sides heading into the decisive encounter at the Arkadag Stadium.
The Turkmenistan side, just beginning their new campaign, displayed remarkable resilience in the first leg in Kolkata. Their strategy was straightforward—push aggressively for an early goal and then sit deep to defend their lead. However, on home turf, Arkadag is expected to adopt a more expansive and attacking approach.
FK Arkadag will aim to put East Bengal under relentless pressure with aggressive attacks, looking to excite their home crowd. They will push for early goals to strengthen their chances of advancing. Another victory over East Bengal would be a massive confidence boost ahead of the semi-finals. However, a defeat after their impressive performance in Kolkata could mark a disastrous start to their campaign.
With FK Arkadag expected to adopt a more attacking approach, striker Didar Durdyyev is likely to have more opportunities to trouble the East Bengal defense. The 31-year-old forward has already found the net once in the AFC Challenge League this season and showcased sharp movement in the opposition half during the first leg.
Durdyyev must be intelligent with his positioning around the East Bengal box, using his movement to disrupt their defensive structure and draw center-backs out of position. Additionally, his link-up play will be crucial in creating fluid attacking sequences, and he must be clinical in front of goal to propel FK Arkadag toward a commanding victory.
The Torchbearers must overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg with a decisive performance in the upcoming match. East Bengal faces a tough test against the resilient Turkmenistan side on their home turf, where a passionate crowd is expected to create a daunting atmosphere.
The Red & Gold Brigade must be more decisive in converting their chances to stage a strong comeback in Arkadag. While East Bengal put up a resilient fight in the first leg, they need greater creativity to break through the Turkmenistan side’s defense and secure a positive result. Oscar Bruzon may have to tweak his team’s attacking approach, encouraging a more dynamic and varied buildup to enhance their goal-scoring opportunities.
Bruzon will rely on his forwards to be clinical in front of goal while ensuring his defense remains sharp, minimizing any lapses that could allow Arkadag to capitalize. If East Bengal can produce their most efficient performance, they stand a chance of turning the tie around. A victory could salvage their 2024-25 campaign, while a defeat would leave them needing a strong response in the upcoming Super Cup.
Richard Celis has yet to register a single goal contribution since joining East Bengal, falling short of the expectations surrounding his arrival. This upcoming clash against FK Arkadag could be his last opportunity to prove his worth and secure his future with the Red & Gold Brigade. While Celis has impressed with his pace and dribbling ability, he must now refine his end product.
He frequently gets into dangerous positions but needs to improve the quality of his final passes and crosses to create better scoring opportunities for his teammates. Additionally, he will aim to be more decisive with his runs into the box and finish chances clinically to enhance East Bengal’s attacking threat.
The Kolkata giants have a daunting task ahead, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Turkmenistan’s reigning champions while adapting to unfamiliar conditions. East Bengal FC struggled to impose themselves in the first leg, with Arkadag striking early on the counter and then defending resolutely, limiting their opponents to just one shot on target.
With everything on the line, East Bengal FC must adopt a more aggressive attacking approach. Head coach Oscar Bruzon will be aware of the importance of an early goal to disrupt Arkadag’s defensive setup. While they have struggled to break the deadlock quickly in the ISL this season, their performances in Bhutan during the group stage—where they scored within the opening ten minutes in all three matches—show they can start on the front foot. Replicating that urgency could be key to turning the tie around.
Bruzon acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized that his team now has a clearer understanding of their opponents after the first-leg battle.
“I think tomorrow’s game will be decided by physicality, second balls, set pieces, transitions, and vertical play,” Bruzon said in the pre-match press conference.
Despite needing a two-goal margin to avoid extra time, East Bengal FC have the firepower to pose problems for the hosts. The core squad has had ample rest, having arrived early to adjust to the conditions, while a mix of senior and junior players handled their final league assignment in Shillong.
Jeakson Singh, who is expected to partner Hector Yuste in central defense in Anwar Ali’s absence, echoed the team’s determination.
“This is an important away fixture. We are not just playing for East Bengal but also representing India. That itself is motivation for all of us,” Singh remarked.
With their ISL playoff hopes dashed, this game takes on even greater significance for East Bengal FC. Time and again, they have delivered on the continental stage, and a fightback in Turkmenistan might just be within reach.
FK Arkadag vs East Bengal FC: Head-to-head
- Matches Played – 1
- FK Arkdag wins – 1
- East Bengal wins – 0
- Draws – 0
FK Arkadag vs East Bengal FC: Team News and Predicted Lineup
FK Arkadag – Team News
FK Arkadag is expected to retain the same squad that secured victory over East Bengal in the first leg.
FK Arkadag – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Resul Çaryýew
- Defenders: Abdy Byashimov, Guychmyrat Annagulyyev, Mekan Separov, Ybraýym Mämmedow
- Midfielders: Resul Khozhaev, Mirza Beknazarov, Ýazgylyç Gurbanov
- Forwards: Begench Akmammedov, Sanazar Tirkishov, Didar Durdyyev
East Bengal FC – Team News
East Bengal opted to rest most of their first-team players in their recent ISL match against NorthEast United. Uncertainty surrounds whether PV Vishnu or David Lalhlansanga will start against Arkadag, as both featured in the weekend fixture. Meanwhile, Anwar Ali remains doubtful due to an injury concern.
East Bengal FC – Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Prabhsukhan Gill
- Defenders: ohamad Rakip, Lalchhungnunga, Hector Yuste, Nishu Kumar
- Midfielders: Souvik Chakrabarti, Saul Crespo, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Richard Celis
- Forwards: Raphael Messi Bouli, Dimitrios Diamantakos
FK Arkadag vs East Bengal FC: Prediction
Given the circumstances surrounding both teams, FK Arkadag enters the second leg with a slight edge, having secured a 1-0 win in Kolkata. Playing at home, they are likely to adopt a more attacking approach, using the energy of their home crowd to push for an early goal. Didar Durdyyev will be a key threat, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses from East Bengal.
On the other hand, East Bengal faces an uphill task in overturning the deficit. They must be more clinical in front of goal and break down Arkadag’s compact defense. The attacking unit, particularly Richard Celis, needs to step up and deliver a stronger final product. However, their defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent finishing could make the task even tougher.
Given Arkadag’s home advantage and East Bengal’s struggles in front of goal, the Turkmenistan side is likely to edge this contest.
Prediction: FK Arkadag 2-1 East Bengal (Agg: 3-1).
When and Where to Watch FK Arkadag vs East Bengal FC Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The second leg of the AFC Challenge League quarterfinal between FK Arkadag and East Bengal is set to be held at the Arkadag Stadium in Arkadag on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The match will kick off at 4 PM IST and will be streamed live on the FanCode app.
FAQs
When and where will the FK Arkadag vs. East Bengal AFC Challenge League quarterfinal second leg take place?
The match will be held at the Arkadag Stadium in Arkadag, Turkmenistan, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, kicking off at 4 PM IST.
What was the result of the first leg between East Bengal and FK Arkadag?
FK Arkadag secured a 1-0 victory over East Bengal in the first leg in Kolkata.
Where can fans watch the FK Arkadag vs. East Bengal match live?
The match will be streamed live on the FanCode app.
What are East Bengal’s key challenges in overturning the first-leg deficit?
East Bengal must improve their finishing, break down Arkadag’s solid defense, and remain defensively compact to avoid conceding early goals.
Who are the key players to watch in the FK Arkadag vs. East Bengal clash?
Didar Durdyyev will be a major attacking threat for FK Arkadag, while East Bengal will look to Richard Celis and their forwards to step up in this must-win match.
