The «Ahal» footballers started the third round of the Turkmenistan Championship among the top league clubs with a 2:0 victory over Balkanabat's «Nebitchi».
The game took place in Ashgabat at the «Nisa» stadium.
Both goals in this match were scored in the first half. The victory of the vice-champion of Turkmenistan was ensured by goals from Nazar Tovakelov (11th minute) and Magtymberdi Berenov (27th).
After this game, «Ahal» is in second place in the standings with 31 points, 14 points behind «Arkadag».
In preparation for the third round of the national championship, some changes took place in the «Ahal» squad. For various reasons, goalkeepers Rahat Japarov, Seyran Ashyrov and field players Gurbanmuhammet Esenov, Ibrayym Amangeldiyev, Begmyrat Bayev, Dayanch Meredov and Igor Sekov left the team. They were replaced by goalkeeper Gurbanmyrat Garayev and field players Amir Gurbani, Suleyman Mirzoyev (all three from «Shagadam»), Bashim Gurbanberdiyev, Oraz Orazov (both from «Ashgabat»), Enver Annayev, who was loaned from «Arkadag», and 25-year-old former defender of the Russian media team Lotus Music from the Media Football League Oraz Atayev.
Currently, «Ahal» is preparing for the AFC Champions League 2 qualifying match against Tajikistan's «Regar-TadAZ», which will take place on August 13 at the TALCO Arena in Tursunzade (Tajikistan). The winner will advance to the AFC Champions League 2 group round, and the loser will advance to the AFC Challenge League group round.
The «Ahal» – «Nebitchi» match opened the 15th round of the Turkmenistan Football Championship. It will continue with the «Arkadag» – «Kopetdag», «Shagadam» – «Merv» and «Altyn Asyr» – «Ashgabat» matches.
turkmenistan.gov.tm
