One of the marquee fixtures of the fourth round of the 2026 Turkmenistan Top League championship was the clash between “Ahal” and “Altyn Asyr.” In this season’s national championship, both teams had previously suffered a single defeat, each losing 10 to the reigning champions, “Arkadag.” However, Turkmen football history has often seen the title decided in battles between these two fierce rivals.
Last year, both “Ahal” and “Altyn Asyr” represented Turkmenistan in Asian club competitions.Runners-up “Ahal” competed in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two, while “Altyn Asyr” took part in the AFC Challenge League.
The match, with “Ahal” listed as the home side, was played at the main arena of the Ashgabat Stadium.As expected, it was a fiercely contested encounter, reflected in the seven yellow cards shown by referee B.
Atdyev to players from both teams.Throughout the game, the players of “Ahal” and “Altyn Asyr” worked tirelessly in an effort to tip the balance in their favor.
However, neither team was able to break the deadlock.The match ended in a goalless 00 draw, with each club earning one point.As a result, “Ahal” moved to five points and sixth place in the standings, while “Altyn Asyr” climbed to seven points and third place.
Fourth-placed “Merv” also reached seven points after securing a 21 home victory over “Ashgabat”.The home side’s goals came from Mukam Naziyev in the 39th minute and Avdyresul Abdyyev in the 59th.
The visitors pulled one back deep into stoppage time, with Didar Didarov scoring in the 97th minute. “Nebitchi” also recorded their second win of the season, defeating “Kopetdag” 10 away from home in Ashgabat.
The decisive goal came in the 38th minute, when Begench Mamiyev found the net, lifting the Balkanabat club to sixth place in the league table.Heading into the fifth round, “Arkadag” lead the championship with 12 points.
Three points behind them are “Shagadam” of Turkmenbashi, who will face a challenging home match against “Ahal” in the next round.