East Bengal Football Club (EBFC) are preparing to face Altyn Asyr FC from Turkmenistan in a preliminary stage match of the inaugural AFC Champions League Two on August 14, 2024. The game will take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, with both teams vying for a spot in the ACL Two group stage from the West Zone.
East Bengal have had a strong start to their season, having assembled a formidable squad featuring prominent names like Jeakson Singh, Dimitrios Diamantakos, and Mahdi Talal. Recently, they further strengthened their lineup by signing Indian defender Anwar Ali from their fierce rivals, Mohun Bagan Super Giants. Although Anwar will not be featured in this match, EBFC aim to maintain their momentum and secure a victory as they make their long-awaited return to AFC continental competition after a nine-year hiatus.
However, their head coach, Carles Cuadrat, is no stranger to Altyn Asyr, having encountered them in 2019 while managing Bengaluru FC. In the AFC Cup Inter-zonal semi-finals, Altyn Asyr overcame Bengaluru in both legs (2-0, 3-2). Historically, this Turkmen club has demonstrated remarkable consistency in winning tournaments. In the ongoing Turkmenistan Ýokary Liga, they currently sit in second place with 37 points from 16 games.
They come into this match on a six-game unbeaten streak, having scored 11 goals in their last two outings. This sets the stage for a challenging encounter for the red-and-gold brigade, as Altyn Asyr boasts several players who pose a serious threat.
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🟡🔴Can East Bengal conquer the Turkmen 🇹🇲 challenge as Carles Cuadrat’s boys take on Altyn Asyr with a spot in ACL 2 at stake?
Here’s a look at their opponent 👇@tribes_social_ @Rahul_01Giri @eastbengal_fc #EastBengal #ACL #AFC pic.twitter.com/aUmtycYvlH
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 13, 2024
Ýazguly Hojageldyýew (Manager)
Hojageldyýew has been the mastermind behind the club’s remarkable success since taking the helm in 2014. All of the team’s recent triumphs have come under his astute leadership, marking him as one of the most successful managers in the club’s history. Hojageldyýew is also a seasoned coach on the international stage, having led the Turkmenistan national team during three separate tenures (2010-2013, 2017-2019, 2021-2022).
Notably, under his guidance, the national team reached the final of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, showcasing his ability to inspire and elevate his teams to perform on big stages. Hojageldyýew’s record at the club speaks volumes about his managerial prowess. Over 384 matches, he has guided the team to an impressive 277 wins, 64 draws, and only 43 losses, boasting a winning percentage of 71.88. His tactical acumen, ability to develop players, and consistency in delivering results have firmly established him as a cornerstone of the club’s success.
Players to watch out for
Didar Durdyýew (ST)
Durdyýew, a prolific striker, has consistently proven himself as one of the top goal-scorers in the Turkmenistan football league over the last five seasons. He has clinched the title of the league’s highest goal-scorer three times, with remarkable tallies such as 14 goals in 2019 for Ahal FK, 27 goals in 2022 for Ahal FK during their championship-winning season, and 26 goals in 2023 while playing for Arkadag FC.
At 30 years of age, Durdyýew carries a rich football heritage, being the son of Gurbangeldi Durdyýew, a former Turkmenistan national team player. Durdyýew’s international career began with his senior national team debut during the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, and he quickly made his mark by scoring twice in a 5–1 victory against Laos in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup.
His contributions were crucial as part of the national team that finished as runners-up in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, cementing his reputation as a key player for both club and country.
Selim Nurmuradov (LW/ST)
Nurmuradov is a dynamic and versatile forward, primarily operating as a left winger but also capable of playing as a striker. At 28 years old, he is currently the most valuable player in his team, reflecting his exceptional talent and market value. Nurmuradov comes from a footballing lineage, with his father Berdimurad Nurmuradov being a renowned player.
His pace, ability to cut inside from the wing, and constant eye for goal make him a formidable threat to any defence. Nurmuradov also brings experience from playing in the AFC Cup.
Shokhrat Soyunov (CB)
Shokhrat Soyunov is an experienced and reliable centre-back, standing 1.84 metres (6 ft 1⁄2 in) tall. At 32 years of age, Soyunov has a wealth of experience at both the club and international levels. He was an integral part of the team from 2015 to 2018, when the club won the league title in every season. As a national team player, Soyunov has accumulated significant international experience.
He has also played in 18 AFC Cup matches and 11 AFC Champions League matches. His journey came full circle when he rejoined the club in the January transfer window of 2024, after a stint with FK Ahal. Soyunov’s leadership and defensive acumen will be crucial for the team’s aspirations in this current season.
*As per the data collected from various available websites
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