Arkadag Defeated by Al Jazira in the Closing Stages of an AFC Champions League 2 Match
Football club Arkadag lost 1–2 to the Emirati side Al Jazira in the second round of the 2026/27 AFC Champions League 2 group stage. After the Turkmen team equalized in the second half, the hosts scored the decisive goal during stoppage time.
Match Progress
The Group B encounter took place on October 14 at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. In the first half, Al Jazira created several dangerous opportunities, but Arkadag goalkeeper Kakageldi Berdyev prevented the opposition from opening the scoring. One attempt by Malcom struck the crossbar.
After the break, the hosts' pressure paid off. In the 55th minute, Malcom converted a penalty to put Al Jazira ahead, 1–0.
Arkadag’s Response
The Turkmen side equalized in the 66th minute. Arzuwguly Sapargulyyev delivered a cross into the penalty area, and Abdy Bashimov headed the ball into the net, bringing the score to 1–1.
Following this, the outcome of the match remained in the balance. Arkadag held onto hopes of securing a draw in the away fixture, but in the closing stages, Al Jazira managed to regain the lead. A Dramatic Finish in Stoppage Time
The decisive goal was scored by defender Nermin Mujkić. Following a header by Malcom, the Arkadag goalkeeper parried the ball, but Mujkić was the first to react, putting the rebound into the net. This stoppage-time goal secured a 2–1 victory for the UAE-based club.
Group Standings
After two rounds, Al Jazira has collected four points, moving to the top of Group B. Arkadag remains on three points. The defeat in Abu Dhabi means the gap between the two teams is no more than a single point.
