FK Arkadag, a club from Turkmenistan write the name in the list of first champions in this trophy, after beating Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC, a club from Cambodia scoring 2-1 in the AFC Challenge League 2024/25 Final at Morodok Techo National Stadium, Phnom Penh.
The historic clash saw late drama, extra-time heroics, and a fierce battle of tactics and will, as Arkadag held their nerve to secure continental glory in the competition’s maiden edition.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Svay Rieng came out firing. Ryo Fujio had an early sight at goal in the 4th minute but blazed his effort high. Minutes later, Saret Krya headed wide under heavy pressure from Arkadag’s Guychmyrat Annagulyyev.
The Cambodians controlled the tempo, with Bounphachan Bounkong and Cristian orchestrating dangerous moves. But despite their dominance, they failed to capitalize, allowing Arkadag to slowly find their footing.
It wasn’t until the 30th minute that Arkadag finally threatened, with Didar Durdiyev firing over the bar after a neat setup by Yazgylych Gurbanov. Soon after, Shanazar Tirkishov tested Svay Rieng’s keeper Vireak Dara, setting the stage for what was to come.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute: Tirkishov whipped in a corner, and Myrat Saparow rose above all to bury a powerful header into the net, silencing the home fans and giving Arkadag a 1-0 lead.
But the hosts refused to go down quietly. In the 82nd minute, Saret Krya found the equalizer with a towering header from Takashi Odawara’s pinpoint cross, sending the match into extra time.
Both teams pushed for a winner. Min Ratanak rattled the post, while Pablo was brilliantly denied by Arkadag’s heroic goalkeeper Annagulyyev.
Then, in the 111th minute, lightning struck on the counter. Arzuvguly Sapargulyyev launched a perfect through ball from deep in his half, and Didar Annadurdeyyew latched onto it with purpose, calmly slotting past Vireak Dara to seal a 2-1 victory and send the Turkmen bench into euphoria.
The triumph marks a monumental achievement for FK Arkadag and Turkmenistan football. In a match that tested discipline, mental fortitude, and finishing, Arkadag rose above the pressure and seized their moment in history.
As the curtain falls on the AFC Challenge League 2024/25, FK Arkadag will forever be remembered as the first club to lift the trophy, a legacy written in gold on Asian football’s growing stage.
Credit Photo : AFC
