Kolkata, India – March 12, 2025
In a pulsating AFC Cup Group D clash, East Bengal FC defeated Turkmenistan’s Arkadag SC 3-2 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The match, played in front of 62,000 roaring fans, saw dramatic momentum shifts, late goals, and a showcase of emerging Asian football talent.
Historic Rivalry Renewed
East Bengal, one of India’s oldest clubs (founded in 1920), entered the game with a point to prove after a shaky start to their AFC Cup campaign. Arkadag, established in 2017 and backed by Turkmenistan’s football federation, aimed to solidify their reputation as Central Asia’s rising force. Though this was only their second-ever meeting, the stakes were high: a win would boost either team’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Lineups and Tactics
East Bengal’s Spanish coach, Carles Martínez, opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Captain Anwar Ali anchored the defense, while Brazilian midfielder Jairo Rodrigues controlled the midfield. Striker Naorem Mahesh Singh, India’s top scorer this season, led the attack.
Arkadag’s Ukrainian manager, Oleksandr Shchyrets, deployed a 4-3-3 setup. Veteran midfielder Arslanmyrat Amanov, 34, orchestrated play, with pacy winger Didar Durdyev targeting East Bengal’s left flank. Forward Myrat Ýagşyýew, nicknamed “The Turkmen Lightning,” posed a constant threat.
First Half: Goals and Grit
The game exploded into life in the 8th minute. Mahesh Singh latched onto a through-ball from Rodrigues, rounded Arkadag’s goalkeeper Rasul Çaryýew, and slotted home. The crowd erupted, waving red-and-gold flags.
Arkadag responded swiftly. In the 14th minute, Amanov’s lofted pass found Ýagşyýew, who volleyed past East Bengal keeper Prabsukhan Gill. 1-1.
Both teams pressed aggressively. East Bengal’s right-back, Nishu Kumar, received a yellow card in the 27th minute for a reckless tackle on Durdyev. Arkadag dominated possession (58%) but struggled to break East Bengal’s compact defense. The half ended 1-1, with coaches urging composure in locker-room talks.
Second Half: Drama Unfolds
East Bengal reclaimed the lead in the 53rd minute. Midfielder Saul Crespo’s corner found defender Lalchungnunga, whose powerful header flew into the net. 2-1.
Arkadag refused to buckle. Shchyrets introduced fresh legs: 19-year-old substitute Merdan Ataýew dazzled with his dribbling, earning a penalty in the 68th minute after a foul by Lalchungnunga. Amanov converted calmly. 2-2.
With tensions rising, Martínez brought on veteran striker Cleiton Silva, 38, for Mahesh Singh. The move paid off. In the 87th minute, Silva’s clever flick released winger VP Suhair, whose cross was tapped in by substitute Souvik Chakrabarti. 3-2.
Arkadag nearly equalized in stoppage time, but Gill saved Ýagşyýew’s header. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among East Bengal supporters.
Post-Match Reactions
“This win is for our fans,” said Martínez. “We showed character, but must improve defensively.”
Shchyrets lamented missed chances: “We controlled periods but lacked finishing. Ataýew’s performance was a positive.”
East Bengal’s Hero of the Match, Lalchungnunga, admitted, “The penalty was my mistake. Glad I made up for it with the goal.”
Key Stats
Possession: Arkadag 54%, East Bengal 46%
Shots on target: Arkadag 7, East Bengal 5
Fouls: 22 (East Bengal), 15 (Arkadag)
Group D Standings
Altyn Asyr (TKM) – 7 pts
East Bengal (IND) – 6 pts
Arkadag (TKM) – 4 pts
Bashundhara Kings (BAN) – 1 pt
Looking Ahead
East Bengal faces Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings on March 26. Arkadag hosts group leaders Altyn Asyr the same day. Both teams remain in contention for the next round, but margin for error is slim.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
#EastBengalVsArkadag trended on X (formerly Twitter). Turkmen fans praised Ataýew’s cameo, while Indian supporters hailed Chakrabarti’s clutch goal. A viral clip showed a 70-year-old East Bengal fan weeping joyfully post-match.
Injury Concerns
Arkadag’s Durdyev limped off late with a thigh strain, casting doubt on his availability for the next match. East Bengal’s Ali finished the game with a bandaged head after an aerial collision but is expected to recover.
Controversy
Arkadag’s staff criticized referee Kim Jong-hyeok (South Korea) for not awarding a second penalty when Crespo appeared to handle the ball. The AFC is expected to review the incident.
Cultural Impact
The match highlighted football’s growing appeal in Asia. Turkmen fans in traditional green robes danced outside the stadium, while Kolkata’s locals celebrated with sweets and processions.
Historical Context
East Bengal, twice ASEAN champions in the 2000s, seeks a return to continental glory. Arkadag, though young, mirrors Turkmenistan’s investment in sports infrastructure since hosting the 2017 Asian Indoor Games.
Weather and Pitch Report
Humidity (78%) and 31°C heat tested players’ stamina. The Salt Lake pitch, relaid in 2024, held up well despite intense tackles.
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