A weighty application for reaching the semi-finals of the Cup of Turkmenistan-2023 on football was made by the teams «Arkadag» and «Ahal», having achieved major victories in the first quarter-final matches.

Football players of «Arkadag» defeated «Kopetdag» - 5:1 in the away match at the central arena «Ashgabat». Didar Durdyyev (2^nd and 8^th minutes) scored twice among the winners, and Abdy Bashimov (22^nd), Yhlas Toyjanov (36^th) and Shanazar Tirkishov (86^th) scored once each. The losers have a prestige goal on account of Bayramgeldi Gulmayev (73^rd).

And the current champion and owner of the Cup of Turkmenistan «Ahal» at the capital's stadium «Nisa» crushed the Turkmenbashy «Shagadam» - 4:1. Dayanch Meredov scored a hat-trick for the hosts (12^th, 27^th and 65^th minutes), Shohrat Soyunov scored another goal from a 11-meter free kick in the 24^th minute. The guests scored Yhlas Magtymov (62^nd).

«Merv» also has good chances of reaching the semi-finals, having won over Ashgabat in Mary - 3:1. It is noteworthy that until the 90^th minute the hosts were winning - 2:0 after accurate shots by Alibek Abdurahmanov (7^th minute) and Musa Nurnazarov (23^rd minute).

At the last minute of regular time, Agajan Altyyev scored one goal. And in the 6^th stoppage minute, Alibek Abdurahmanov scored a brace from a 11-meter free kick and set a more comfortable score for Merv 3:1.

In another cup match, held at the stadium in the Buzmeyin etrap of the capital, the vice-champion of Turkmenistan «Altyn Asyr» in stoppage time snatched a victory from Balkanabat «Nebitchi» - 1:0. Selim Nurmyradov scored the winning goal in the 94^th minute. So, it's too early to talk about the semi-finalist in this pair.

The return quarter-finals of the Turkmenistan Football Cup will be held on the 20^th May.