Arkadag footballers have strengthened their lead in the Turkmenistan Premier League championship, increasing their lead over their closest rival to 5 points.This situation arose after Arkadag won away against Nebitchi of Balkanabat 2:0 in the 5th round, while Shagadam of Turkmenbashy, which was three points behind the leader, lost at home to Ahal 1:3.
The current three-time champion of Turkmenistan won the match in Balkanabat thanks to goals from Abdy Bashimov (72nd minute) and Arzuvguly Sapargulyyev (86th).The match went well for Shagadam at first.
In the 30th minute, Yagshysahet Dovletgeldiyev put primorye residents ahead 1:0.However, 7 minutes later Suleyman Mirzoyev restored the balance 1:1.In the 72nd minute, the visitors took the lead after a precise strike by Nazar Tovakalov.
In the 83rd minute, the hosts were left with one man down due to Begench Gylychnyyazov being sent off for two yellow cards.Bashim Gurbanberdiyev set the final score 3:1 in favour of Ahal in stoppage time in the 94th minute.
Having suffered a second defeat in a row, Shagadam dropped to third place in the league table with 9 points.And Ahal, having achieved a comeback victory, rose to fourth place with 8 points.
Altyn Asyr continues to confidently move up the tournament table, beating Merv from Mary 2-0 on their home field in the Buzmeyin etrap of the capital.Mekan Ashyrov scored both goals for the hosts in the 71st and 81st minutes.
This is his first double in the current championship.After this victory, Altyn Asyr moved up to second place with 10 points, 5 points behind Arkadag, which is still going strong.
Ashgabat and Kopetdag recorded their first points after playing to a 1-1 draw in the capital derby at Nisa stadium.It is noteworthy that both goals in this match were scored from penalties: first, in the 81st minute, by Ashgabat footballer Sohbet Allanurov, and then, in the 89th minute, by Arslan Saparov.
In the race of scorers after five rounds, Serdar Gulyyev from Shagadam is leading with 5 goals (2 of them from penalties).Mekan Ashyrov (Altyn Asyr) and Didar Durdyyev (Arkadag) scored one goal less, each converting one penalty kick.
The matches of the 6th round will take place on the 2nd to 3rd of May.On the first day, Merv will play Kopetdag and Ahal will play Nebitchi, and the next day, Arkadag will play Ashgabat and Altyn Asyr will play Shagadam.