On September 19, Turkmen Ahal played the first match of the AFC Champions League Group Stage with Al Fayha (Saudi Arabia) in Ashgabat. Tens of thousands of football fans watched this game with tremendous interest at the Ashgabat stadium.

The scoring was not opened in the first half. In the second half of the game, the captain of the Ashgabat team Elman Tagaev struck the opponents’ gate with the long-range goal with his left foot in the 51st minute.

After conceding the goal, the Saudi club became more active, but the Ahal players built a defensive line and brought the match to a victorious result.

This victory brought joy and good mood to football fans throughout Turkmenistan, who expect more victories from their team in the future.

In the next round of the AFC Champions League, the Turkmen club Ahal will play with Al Ain (UAE), and Al Fayha will host Uzbek Pahtakor. Both matches will take place on October 3.

Agabay AKMYRADOV,

A 3rd year student, Department of Journalism, Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports