The Turkmen football club “Arkadag” defeated Bahrain’s “Al-Muharraq” 1–0 in the opening match of the AFC Champions League Two group stage. The game took place at the home stadium of the reigning Turkmenistan champions in the city of Arkadag.

Mekan Saparov scored the only goal in the 52nd minute, heading in a cross from a corner kick.

“Arkadag” and “Al-Muharraq” are competing in group “B” of the tournament alongside the UAE’s “Al-Jazira” and Iran’s “Gol Gohar”. In the other group match, the teams from the UAE and Iran played out a 0–0 draw.

Following the first round, the Turkmen club topped the group standings with three points. “Al Jazira” and “Gol Gohar” each earned one point, while “Al Muharraq” remained scoreless.

For “Arkadag”, this victory marked their first in the new tournament campaign following a successful qualifying round, in which the Turkmen club defeated India's “Goa” 3–0.

The next group stage matches will take place on October 14: “Arkadag” will play away against “Al-Jazira”, while “Al-Muharraq” will host “Gol Gohar”.

The AFC Champions League 2 group stage will conclude in December, after which the top 16 teams from the groups will advance to the knockout stage. The tournament final is scheduled for May 15, 2026.