The footballers of «Ahal» were unable to beat «Ashgabat» in a rescheduled match of the 21st round of the Turkmenistan Premier League.
The game, held at the «Nisa» Stadium in the capital, ended in a 1-1 draw.
This was the third meeting between these teams in the current national championship. The first two ended in convincing victories for «Ahal»: 4-1 in the first round and 4-0 in the second.
This time, «Ashgabat», which was not in contention for medals, proved a tough nut to crack for the AFC-2 Champions League participant, opening the scoring in the 33rd minute through a precise strike by Shyhdurdy Amandurdyyev. The vice-champion of Turkmenistan avoided defeat thanks to a penalty converted by team captain Elman Tagayev in the 40th minute.
Extending their winless domestic run to four matches, «Ahal» has 33 points in 18 matches. Turkmenbashy's «Shagadam» also has the same number of points after 20 matches, but thanks to an impressive record, they have relinquished third place in the league to «Ahal». The top two spots are occupied by «Arkadag» and «Altyn Asyr», with 63 and 40 points, respectively, after 21 and 22 matches.
As a reminder, «Arkadag» striker Didar Durdyyev leads the scoring charts with 20 goals (one penalty). His teammate Begench Akmammedov is three goals behind him with 17 (one penalty). Another «Arkadag» player, Altymyrat Annadurdyyev, rounds out the top three with 16 goals (one penalty).
turkmenistan.gov.tm
