"Arkadag" remains in contention for the AFC-2 Champions League playoffs
The 'Arkadag' football club of Turkmenistan earned a crucial point in the fifth round of the AFC-2 Champions League group stage, drawing 1-1 with the 'Andijan' of Uzbekistan at the 'Bobur Arena' in Andijan.
Both teams are making their debut in Asia's second-largest club competition. The first match between them in 'Arkadag' also ended in a goalless draw (0-0).
Despite the hosts' active start, the first half was quiet. The main action unfolded after the break. In the 63rd minute, 'Andijan' opened the scoring when Nigerian international Ismaheel Akinade headed the ball into the net from a cross, despite a probable offside (there is no VAR system in the tournament).
The hosts' joy was short-lived. In the 68th minute, Turkmenistan Championship top scorer Didar Durdyyev equalized, scoring from a pass by Shamammet Hydyrov. Late in the match, 'Arkadag' goalkeeper Resul Charyyev made two superb saves to keep the game tied. This is the third consecutive draw for the Turkmen club.
In another Group B match, the 'Al-Ahli' of Qatar won away against the 'Al-Haldiya' of Bahrain (2-1) to take the lead.
Group B standings before the final round:
'Al-Ahli' – 7 points
'Al-Haldiya' – 6 points
'Andijan' – 5 points
'Arkadag' – 4 points
'Arkadag' still has a chance to advance to the Round of 16. To do this, they must win at home against Bahraini vice-champion 'Al-Khaldiya' on December 24, provided 'Andijan' fails to win its away match against 'Al-Ahli'. The top two teams in the group advance to the playoffs.
