«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 5^th 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 (72^nd minute) and Arzuvguly Sapargulyyev (86^th).

The match went well for «Shagadam» at first. In the 30^th minute, Yagshysahet Dovletgeldiyev put primorye residents ahead – 1:0. However, 7 minutes later Suleyman Mirzoyev restored the balance – 1:1. In the 72^nd minute, the visitors took the lead after a precise strike by Nazar Tovakalov. In the 83^rd 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 94^th 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 71^st and 81^st 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 81^st minute, by «Ashgabat» footballer Sohbet Allanurov, and then, in the 89^th 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 6^th round will take place on the 2^nd to 3^rd 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».