AFC Champions League Two
Mekan Saparow’s 52nd minute header proved the difference as the Turmenistan side held firm against late pressure from Al Muharraq to secure all three points.
Al Muharraq made the brighter start, with Abdulkareem Diara forcing goalkeeper Rustem Ahallyyew into a low save in the second minute before Hasan Al Karani headed over from the resulting corner.
Juninho then steered Arthur Rezende’s cross wide in the eighth minute before Arkadag responded two minutes later, Rahman Myratberdiyew firing narrowly over from inside the box.
The Turkmenistan side began to find their rhythm, with Vladan Djekic comfortably gathering Altymyrat Annadurdyyew’s effort from distance in the 18th minute, while Rijad Kobiljar went close at the other end two minutes later following an Al Muharraq counter-attack.
Arkadag had their best chance in the 33rd minute when Arzuwguly Sapargulyyev’s delivery found Annadurdyyew in the centre of the box, but his header was kept out by Djekic.
Al Muharraq continued to threaten, with Juninho seeing an effort from distance blocked before Al Karani’s header was also denied as the two sides went into the break goalless.
Group B: FC Arkadag (TKM) v Al Muharraq SC (BHR)
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Al Muharraq started the second half strongly, with Soufiane Mahrouq firing narrowly over before Rüstem Ahallyyew kept out Abdulla Al Khulasi’s effort from distance.
Arkadag, however, broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. Arzuwguly Sapargulyyev’s cross took a kind deflection into the path of Mekan Saparow, who nodded home from close range.
Al Muharraq continued to press in the closing stages, with Arthur Rezende seeing an effort from outside the box blocked before Juninho was also denied from close range in the 81st minute.
The Bahrain side kept the pressure on but Arkadag stood firm to see out the closing minutes and secure the three points.
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