East Bengal FC faced a heart-wrenching exit from the AFC Challenge League on March 12, 2025, as they lost 2-1 against FK Arkadag, culminating in a 3-1 aggregate defeat over two legs. The match unfolded at Arkadag Stadium, Turkmenistan, where the visitors delivered a spirited performance but were unable to withstand the pressure after losing one of their key players.
The match began with a bang, as East Bengal's striker, Messi Bouli, opened the scoring just one minute after kickoff. His early goal brought hope and excitement to the Red and Gold Brigade, leveling the aggregate score early on. A well-executed play saw Bouli react quickest to tap home after his teammate Dimitrios Diamantakos had his initial effort saved by the Arkadag goalkeeper. It seemed like East Bengal might secure the comeback they desperately sought.
Unfortunately for the booters from Kolkata, their joy was short-lived. The mood shifted dramatically when defender Lalchungnunga received his second yellow card and was sent off just before the end of the first half. The decision was met with complaints from East Bengal, who felt the dismissal was harsh. Amidst the referee's decision, the team's dynamics crumbled, impacting their defensive solidity.
Despite being down to 10 men, East Bengal entered the halftime break maintaining their narrow lead, but the second half would prove to be belligerent. They aimed to preserve the lead and perhaps even push for more goals, but fatigue and pressure from Arkadag mounted. East Bengal managed to avoid conceding for much of the second half. Their goalkeeper, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, made several commendable saves to deny Arkadag, keeping the hope for the visitors alive.
Things took yet another turn as Arkadag began finding their rhythm. Attempts from the home side became more frequent and increasingly threatening. Finally, with just minutes remaining, the hosts equalized, thanks to Altymyrat Annadurdyev, who converted from the penalty spot after Souvik Chakrabarti was deemed to have fouled Tirkishov inside the box. This penalty dealt significant psychological damage, putting Arkadag 2-1 up on aggregate.
East Bengal pressed for urgent goals, hoping to push the tie to extra time, but instead, their offensive push left them vulnerable. Arkadag capitalized on the counterattack and sealed the victory with Samämmet Hydyrow scoring deep in injury time. The final whistle left scores of East Bengal fans lamenting what might have been if not for the red card.
Adding to the tension of the match, East Bengal's preparations prior to arriving in Turkmenistan had faced several roadblocks, including reports of confiscated passports and limited internet access for players. Adding to the off-field drama, accusations of espionage surfaced when Arkadag's media officer was caught observing East Bengal's training session, prompting East Bengal to lodge complaints with AFC authorities.
The Red and Gold Brigade's exit marks the end of their campaign, leaving them as the only Indian club to have participated actively in the AFC competitions this season. The team had reached this stage by virtue of winning the 2024 Super Cup but could not replicate their domestic success on the continental front.
Post-match, players' reflections revealed the mixed emotions of the game. "We showed resilience throughout the match, especially after going down to ten men," Bouli commented, underlining the determination of his teammates. Their fans, numbering significantly, also expressed dissatisfaction about the controversial officiated decisions throughout the game.
While FK Arkadag celebrates their progression to the semifinals, East Bengal will have to regroup and rethink their strategies for future tournaments. Lessons learned here could benefit the club’s long-term aspirations within Asian football, and fans will be eager to see how their side rebounds after this disheartening exit.
The result was met with accolades for Arkadag’s tactics and late-game execution. They demonstrated phenomenal poise under pressure and prevailed as they have successfully booked their spot next round of the AFC Challenge League. This showcases their rising prowess within the framework of Asian football.