East Bengal FC ended their AFC Challenge League campaign with a defeat against Arkadag FK at home in the quarter-final second leg on March 12. Within the very first minutes, the Red and Gold Brigade found the net, but the game’s momentum shifted when, in the final moments, the hosts managed to score two goals, making the scoreline 2-1 in their favor and securing a spot in the semi-finals.
In the 1st minute, Messi Bouli scored a goal to bring them back into the game, as Arkadag had won the first leg of the quarter-final 1-0. East Bengal continued attacking, and in the 17th minute, Diamantakos attempted a long-range shot that deflected off the post. The rebound fell to Richard Celis, who attempted a shot but sent it wide.
In the 32nd minute, East Bengal FC was reduced to ten men when Chunnunga attempted a foul on an Arkadag baller and was sent off the field after conceding his second yellow. East Bengal FC created numerous chances, but Arkadag maintained their strong defensive game to stop them from conceding more goals.
In the second half, in the 53rd minute, from the left inside of the box, Diamantakos sent a cross to Richard Celis, who attempted a wide header from close range. However, as time went on, it seemed like East Bengal was struggling with ten men. The momentum of the match shifted when Souvik made a challenge on an Arkadag player to stop his attack inside the box, and the referee awarded them a penalty kick, which Hydyrow converted into a goal.
In the dying moments, in the last minute of additional time at the 90+7th minute, the hosts made it 2-1. Arkadag FK launched a quick attack after gaining possession. Inside the box, Annadurdeyev received the ball from his teammate, who had fallen inside the box. From the middle of the box, he sent the ball into the net, securing their semi-final spot.
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