Xplorich
FC Goa’s AFC Champions League Two campaign came to an end after they suffered a 0-3 defeat against Turkmenistan’s FC Arkadag in the preliminary round at the Arkadag Stadium on Wednesday.The Indian side could not find a goal after a goalless first half, while Arkadag came out strongly after the break and scored three times in just 17 minutes.The result means FC Goa will now continue their Asian campaign in the AFC Challenge League, the continent’s third-tier club competition.
Arkadag take control after break
Arkadag looked dangerous from the beginning and regularly used the wings to create chances. FC Goa goalkeeper Bob Jackson Raj was kept busy and made several important saves to keep his side in the contest.He denied Begench Akmammedov from close range early on and quickly recovered to stop Abdy Basimow’s follow-up attempt. Raj was called into action again in the 26th minute, making a diving save to prevent Bashimov’s header from a corner from crossing the line.FC Goa created their best first-half chance from a set-piece in the 42nd minute. Francisco Feuillassier’s delivery found Sandesh Jhingan, but the defender’s glancing header went away from the target.Arkadag also missed a late chance before the break when Rahman Myratberdiýew’s overhead effort went over the bar.
Three goals end FC Goa’s hopes
Arkadag finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Yazgylych Gurbanov’s cross found Didar Durdyyew in a crowded penalty area, and his effort slipped through Raj’s hands and crossed the line.Rahman Myratberdiýew doubled the advantage seven minutes later after collecting a loose ball, racing into the box and calmly finishing past the advancing goalkeeper.Arzuwguly Sapargulyyew then sealed the victory in the 75th minute with a superb free-kick into the top-right corner.FC Goa struggled to respond as Arkadag comfortably protected its lead. The Turkmenistan club’s win takes them into the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 group stage, with the draw scheduled for August 18 in Kuala Lumpur.FC Goa, meanwhile, will now turn their attention to the AFC Challenge League.
