PHNOM PENH – FC Arkadag made history on Saturday night, lifting the first-ever AFC Challenge League title with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC in front of a sold-out Morodok Techo National Stadium.
Altymyrat Annadurdyyew was the hero for the Turkmen side, coolly finishing a counterattack in the 112th minute to seal the win and cap a fairytale debut season for the club from Ashgabat.
Svay Rieng had dominated early proceedings, with chances falling to Ryo Fujio, Saret Krya, and Cristian, while Arkadag struggled to settle into the game. But Ahmet Allaberdiyev’s side grew stronger as the match wore on.
After a flurry of second-half action, it was defender Mekan Saparow who rose highest to head home a corner in the 59th minute, giving Arkadag the lead. Just when it seemed enough, Saret Krya equalised for the Cambodian champions with a glancing header in the 82nd minute, forcing extra time.
The match tilted back and forth until Annadurdyyew’s decisive moment, racing onto a through ball from deep by Arzuvguly Sapargulyyev and slotting past Vireak Dara to secure glory.
With the win, Arkadag join Turkmen clubs Balkan and FC HTTU as continental champions, underlining the nation’s growing football pedigree. AFC President Shaikh Salman praised the club’s achievement, calling it “a historic chapter” for Asian football.
From a slow start to a climactic finish, Arkadag’s journey was a testament to resolve, structure, and ambition — and a bold signal that Turkmen football is on the rise.
Altymyrat Annadurdyyew struck late in extra time as FC Arkadag defeated Svay Rieng to win the inaugural AFC Challenge League.