India, March 5 -- The urgency displayed by East Bengal was insufficient to offset their inefficiency in the attacking third. Their continued participation in the AFC Challenge League hinges on the fact that FC Arkadag leads by only 1-0 as they approach the home leg of the quarter-final on March 12. Based on East Bengal's performance at Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday, the task ahead appears daunting, particularly against a team that is typically formidable on home ground.

Arkadag demonstrated superior game management and created more significant scoring opportunities. Captain and full-back Bashimov Abdy struck the crossbar with a well-placed shot while East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill was out of position. Additionally, a penalty appeal was dismissed in the 53rd minute when the ball struck Gill's hand outside his area. A crucial reflex save by Gill just before half-time thwarted a header from Yazgylych Gurbanov.

The decisive moment came from Gurbanov's goal in the ninth minute. Hector Yuste's clearance was intercepted by left-winger Tirkishov Shanazar, who advanced the ball to Gurbanov, who had moved inside from the right flank. Gurbanov cleverly deceived Lalchungnunga by aiming for the near post, with the ball slipping through the legs of the East Bengal defender, obscuring Gill's view, and finding the net.

By forcing East Bengal to pursue the game, the Turkmen side disrupted their rhythm with tactical fouls and effectively absorbed the pressure. East Bengal attempted to create opportunities through corner kicks and crosses, but Arkadag's defense remained resolute. The swift response of two Arkadag defenders to converge on Raphael Messi Bouli when he had a fortunate break exemplified the sharpness of their backline.

Goalkeeper Charyyev Rasul commanded the six-yard box effectively, although he did fumble a delivery early in the second half, he quickly recovered to secure Richard Celis's lob. Celis also missed a free header in the 71st minute. Throughout the evening, the ball frequently found its way into Arkadag's penalty area, yet the defense held firm.

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