East Bengal vs FK Arkadag – AFC Challenge League Quarterfinal: Preview, Prediction, Squads & More!

The AFC Challenge League 2025 quarterfinals have arrived, and Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal vs FK Arkadag in a gripping first-leg fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 5 March 2025, with a great deal at stake.

This will be the first-ever meeting between them, and that would make intriguing fare. East Bengal would want to come back from the ISL playoff heartache while FK Arkadag look to assure an away domination before the second leg.

Will East Bengal shine on home soil, or will FK Arkadag sting a surprise? Let’s break down the match details, anticipated lineups, players to keep an eye on, and how to stream this AFC Challenge League quarterfinal tussle!

📅 Match Details – East Bengal vs FK Arkadag

Competition: AFC Challenge League 2025 – Quarterfinals (1st Leg)
Date: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Telecast & Live Streaming: FanCode (Paid Subscription)

East Bengal vs FK Arkadag Preview

The Red & Gold Brigade were left with a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru F.C. that effectively sealed their exit from the running for the ISL playoffs. Nevertheless, there needn’t be any time for mourning as East Bengal must launch themselves into this crucial continental challenge.

Under Oscar Bruzon, East Bengal had shown some promise to the AFC Challenge League group rounds. They scored nine goals-the highest in the tournament-so far. Now they face their first round of knockout matches, so they need to come out with a disciplined, energetic performance if they want to keep the AFC journey alive.

Rather an away win should bring a lot of confidence, whereas a defeat would mean more pressure on East Bengal for the return leg.

The champions of Turkmenistan, who were founded in 2023, are not yet out of the block, being in the very beginning stage of their season. They might not be sharp in terms of match fitness; however, they have quality that can trouble East Bengal.

Arkadag will look to employ ball possession and push on the offensive, aiming to establish an early advantage before the second leg back home. A win will place them in the driving seat; a heavy defeat could see them in hot water.

Team & Injury Updates

🔹 East Bengal: Star center-back Anwar Ali is ruled out due to an injury sustained against Bengaluru FC.

🔹 FK Arkadag: The visitors have no injury concerns and will have a fully fit squad for this match.

Head-to-Head Record

➡️ First-ever meeting between East Bengal and FK Arkadag in an AFC competition.

➡️ East Bengal’s past record vs Turkmenistan clubs:
✅ 3 Matches
⚔️ 1 Win
❌ 2 Defeats

📝 Probable Lineups

🔴 East Bengal FC (4-2-3-1):

GK: Prabhsukhan Gill
DEF: Mohamed Rakip, Hector Yuste, Lalchhungunga, Nishu Kumar
MID: Souvik Chakrabarti, Saul Crespo
ATT MID: Naorem Mahesh Singh, Raphael Messi Bouli, Richard Celis
FW: Dimitrios Diamantakos

🟢 FK Arkadag (4-2-3-1):

GK: Rustem Ahallyyev
DEF: Ybraýym Mämmedow, Mekan Saparov, Guychmyrat Annagulyyev, Abdy Byashimov
MID: Resul Khozhaev, Mirza Beknazarov
ATT MID: Sanazar Tirkishov, Arslanmurad Amanov, Begench Akmammedov
FW: Didar Durdyyev

FAQ

This is going to be an exciting AFC Challenge League quarterfinal first leg fixture in which East Bengal FC will play FK Arkadag.

While East Bengal is hoping to overpower and overrun the competition on home ground, Turkmenistan will equally look to shatter the opponent’s confidence with their own surprise. Superstars Messi Bouli and Amanov marquee the contest, that is set for a thrilling ball game.