FC Goa’s hopes of reaching the AFC Champions League Two group stage came to an end after the Indian Super League side suffered a 3-0 defeat against Turkmenistan’s FK Arkadag at the Arkadag Stadium on Wednesday.
The Gaurs managed to keep the home side quiet during the opening 45 minutes, with the qualifier remaining goalless at half-time. However, the contest changed after the break as Arkadag struck three times to secure its place in the next stage of the competition.
Meilis Diniev, Rakhman Muratberdyev and Sapargulyyev Arzuvguly were the goalscorers for the hosts. Goa could not find a response after falling behind, eventually exiting the competition following a difficult second half.
The match also drew attention away from the pitch because supporters were unable to watch the crucial qualifier through a television broadcast or online stream.
Ahead of the fixture, FC Goa issued an official statement explaining that it did not control the broadcast arrangements for the preliminary-round encounter. According to the club, responsibility for the broadcast rested with the home team under the competition regulations.
“As per the AFC Competition Regulations, the broadcast rights for the Preliminary Rounds of the AFC Champions League Two are held by the home club. As a result, FC Goa has no control over the production, distribution or broadcast of tomorrow’s fixture,” the club said.
The lack of coverage meant supporters were unable to follow FC Goa’s attempt to qualify for the group stage as the action unfolded in Turkmenistan.
While Goa’s continental campaign ended in disappointment, another Indian club enjoyed a far more successful result in the competition.
East Bengal secured its place in the AFC Champions League Two group stage with an emphatic victory over Kuwaiti side Al-Arabi. Playing at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, East Bengal produced a commanding performance to register a 4-1 win over the visitors.
The contrasting results mean East Bengal will move forward into the group stage, while FC Goa’s bid for a place in the next phase has ended following its three-goal defeat in Turkmenistan.
