Footballers of “Arkadag” kicked off the 2026 Turkmenistan Championship among top league clubs with a narrow 1–0 victory over “Ahal.”

The match took place at the multifunctional Ashgabat Stadium.

Last year, “Arkadag” became the champions of Turkmenistan for the third time, while “Ahal” earned the silver medals of the national championship.

The outcome of the clash between the two leading Turkmen clubs was decided by a penalty awarded in the second half for a handball by an “Ahal” defender inside the penalty area. The spot kick was converted in the 64th minute by Didar Durdyev, the top scorer of the last four national championships.

After two rounds, “Arkadag” has collected 6 points and leads the standings, ahead of “Altyn Asyr” and “Shagadam” on goal difference.

In the top scorers’ race, the lead with 2 goals is shared by: Avdyresul Abdyev (“Merv”), Rovshengeldi Halmamamedov (“Altyn Asyr”), Resul Hojayev (“Arkadag”), Mekan Ashyrov (“Altyn Asyr”), Serdar Gulyyev (“Shagadam”), and Didar Durdyev (“Arkadag”). The last three scored one of their goals from the penalty spot.

In the next round on April 18, “Arkadag” will play away against “Altyn Asyr,” while “Ahal” will host “Merv.” On the same day, “Shagadam” will face “Kopetdag,” and “Nebitchi” will play against “Ashgabat.”