Heartbreak for East Bengal: Turkmenistan's Arkadag Sends Indian Team Packing

East Bengal, reduced to 10 men, suffered a 1-2 loss against Turkmenistan's FC Arkadag, exiting the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals. Despite taking an early lead through Messi Bouli, late goals by Altymyrat Annadurdyyez sealed their fate. East Bengal reached this stage after topping Group A in the AFC tournament.

In a dramatic quarterfinal clash, East Bengal fell 1-2 to FC Arkadag of Turkmenistan, resulting in their exit from the AFC Challenge League. An early goal by East Bengal's Messi Bouli put the team in a hopeful position, but the game took a turn after Lalchungnunga's red card in the first half.

Altymyrat Annadurdyyez proved pivotal for Arkadag, scoring two decisive goals near the match's conclusion, including a penalty, to confirm their progression to the semifinals with a 3-1 aggregate victory. The first leg had seen them triumph with a narrow 1-0 win in Kolkata.

Despite a courageous display, East Bengal couldn't capitalize on their opportunities with reduced numbers on the field. With this defeat, their journey, marked by a strong Super Cup win and top spot in Group A, came to an end.

(With inputs from agencies.)