Al-Arabi player controls the ball as an opponent makes a tackle.

ASHGABAT, April 16: Al-Arabi bowed out of the AFC Challenge League after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Turkmenistan’s Arkadag in the second leg of the semi-finals, at the latter’s home ground.

Despite entering the match with a 2-0 lead from the first leg, secured through goals by Hamza Khaba and Salman Al-Awadhi, the "Greens" failed to maintain their advantage.

Coach Nasser Al-Shatti fielded a lineup that included Suleiman Abdul Ghafoor in goal, a backline of Hamad Al-Qallaf, Hassan Hamdan, Sofiane Bouchar, and Jumaa Aboud, with Kamil Al-Aswad, Hussein Ashkanani, and Ali Khalaf in midfield, and Hamza Khaba, Wanayo Iwala, and Christopher John up front.

Disaster struck early for Al-Arabi when defender Hassan Hamdan suffered an injury in the first minute following a rough challenge. Play was paused for five minutes before Hamdan was stretchered off, and Mohammed Khaled came on as his replacement.

Arkadag capitalized on the disruption, scoring its opening goal in the 7th minute through Shenzar Turkishov, who fired a powerful shot into the bottom left corner past Abdul Ghafoor.

Al-Arabi tried to respond with attacking efforts, but they struggled to break through Arkadag’s organized defense. Meanwhile, the home team continued to threaten with aerial balls and crosses, keeping the pressure on until halftime.

In the second half, Arkadag maintained its dominance. They doubled their lead in the 58th minute when substitute Anadiev pounced on a rebound from Turkishov’s shot that hit both the post and Abdul Ghafoor before slotting it home.

Seven minutes later, Bazgilich Gurbanov nearly made it 3-0, but Abdul Ghafoor produced a crucial save. Al-Shatti then brought on Youssef Majed and Salman Al-Awadhi in an attempt to turn the tide. Al-Arabi’s performance improved, and they created several chances, including a clear one-on-one opportunity for Al-Awadhi in the 88th minute, but Rustam Ahaliev blocked the shot.

Arkadag sealed the match just before the final whistle, when Anadiev sent in a low cross that Turkishov tapped into the net unmarked, completing his brace and confirming Al-Arabi’s elimination from the tournament.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff