The meeting between two Central Asian sides saw a subdued contest in the first half with chances few and far in between.

Arkadag had an early chance in the sixth minute when Arslan Amanov played a delightful through ball for Altymyrat Annadurdyyev, who sent his attempt straight at Abdysh-Ata goalkeeper Marsel Islamkulov.

With Abdysh-Ata struggling to get a foothold on the game, Turkmenistan champions Arkadag grabbed the opening goal in the 27th minute when Shamammet Hydyrow poked home from close range after Magamed Uzdenov made a mess of his clearance from Annadurdyyev’s cross.

Arkadag doubled their lead four minutes into the second half when captain Amanov delivered an outswinging corner kick that was volleyed in by Abdy Bashimov.

Abdysh-Ata tried to mount a comeback and had the opportunity to narrow the gap midway through the second half when Teymur Charyyev picked up a loose ball at the edge of the box but too much power in his shot as the ball sailed over the bar.

The Kyrgyz Republic side tried their best but other than one attempt from Amantur Shamurzaev that was easily fielded by Rustem Ahallyyev apart, they were unable to cause Arkadag too much trouble until the final whistle.

Arkadag will look to end the group stage with a perfect record when they face Kuwait’s Al Arabi SC on Friday with Abdysh-Ata to play Maziya Sports & RC of Maldives.