FC “Arkadag” once again claimed the Turkmenistan Super Cup. The team representing the eponymous state-level “smart” city secured this achievement by defeating “Ahal” 3–0 in the decisive match.
The decisive match for the country’s third most prestigious domestic trophy took place at Nisa Stadium in Ashgabat. Rahman Myratberdiyev opened the scoring in the 19th minute. In the second half, the three-time Turkmenistan champions extended their advantage with goals from Begench Akmammedov in the 57th minute and Shanazar Tirkishov in the 79th minute.
FC “Arkadag” was led to this success by head coach Vladimir Bayramov, a former striker of the Turkmenistan national team, winner of the 2003/04 Russian Cup with Grozny’s “Terek” and the 2013 AFC President’s Cup with “Balkan.” Coincidentally. Vladimir Bayramov celebrated his 46th birthday on the day of the Super Cup match.
For “Arkadag,” the Turkmenistan Super Cup match served as valuable preparation for the upcoming home preliminary-round match of the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two against Indian Super Cup winners “Goa” on 12 August. Victory in that encounter will allow Vladimir Bayramov’s side to qualify once again for the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two, while defeat will see the team continue its international campaign in Asia’s third-tier club competition, the AFC Challenge League.
«THE ASHGABAT TIMES».
