East Bengal FC battled against FC Arkadag in the AFC Challenge League quarterfinal second leg but lost 2-1 at Arkadag Stadium in Turkmenistan on Wednesday. As a result, they exited the tournament with a 3-1 aggregate loss. Previously, they had lost the first leg 1-0 in Kolkata.

Early Goal Gives East Bengal FC Hope

East Bengal FC started strong. In the very first minute, they took the lead. Raphael Messi Bouli finished a well-planned free-kick routine. Dimitrios Diamantakos assisted him, setting up the Cameroonian forward for an easy tap-in.

Afterward, East Bengal FC created several chances. However, they struggled to finish. In the 17th minute, Richard Celis got a golden opportunity. Diamantakos’s powerful shot hit the post and rebounded to him. Unfortunately, Celis failed to score.

Lalchungnunga’s Red Card Changes the Game

Despite their strong start, East Bengal FC suffered a major setback in the 33rd minute. Lalchungnunga received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge. As a result, the referee sent him off, leaving his team with ten men.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, East Bengal FC defended well. They managed to hold onto their 1-0 lead until halftime. However, FC Arkadag came back stronger in the second half and started controlling the game.

FC Arkadag Gains Control

After the break, East Bengal FC remained compact. They blocked several attacking moves. Nevertheless, FC Arkadag maintained possession and dictated the pace.

A few minutes later, Celis had another big chance in the 52nd minute. He tried to meet a perfect cross from Diamantakos but failed to connect properly.

Then, in the 75th minute, FC Arkadag won a free kick. Samammet Hydyrow took the shot, but goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill reacted quickly. He made a brilliant save and tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Late Goals Secure FC Arkadag’s Victory

With time running out, FC Arkadag increased their pressure. Finally, in the 87th minute, they earned a penalty. Souvik Chakrabarti fouled Tirkishov inside the box. As a result, Annadurdiyev stepped up and calmly placed the ball into the bottom left corner. Gill had no chance to save it.

After taking the lead, FC Arkadag slowed the game down. They prevented East Bengal FC from making any strong attacks.

In response, Bruzon made two late substitutions in the 90th minute. He brought in Cleiton Silva and David Lalhlansanga to add firepower. However, FC Arkadag remained solid at the back.

Finally, in stoppage time, Annadurdiyev struck again. He took advantage of a defensive mistake and sealed the win for FC Arkadag.

East Bengal FC’s Campaign Ends in Disappointment

In the end, East Bengal FC lost both legs and exited the AFC Challenge League. Despite a determined effort, they failed to convert key chances. Consequently, their continental campaign ended in frustration.