The 8th round of the Turkmenistan Football Championship among major league clubs have started today with a match in Ashgabat between "Kopetdag" and "Nebitchi" from Balkanabat.

The game, which opened the football season at the "Kopetdag" stadium in the capital, was held at a low pace. The actions of the players, apparently, were affected by the hot weather. But even in these conditions, the players of both teams could hit the gate more than once.

Already in the debut of the game, the hosts organized a dangerous attack, which almost ended with a goal, but the ball flew just above the crossbar after a powerful kick.

After half-time, guests could also open an account. But the team of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan was saved from trouble by the goal post.

And yet, the few spectators, who came to the match, saw the long-awaited goal in the 76th minute. On the right flank, Bayramgeldy Gulmaev, the defender of "Kopetdag", after playing a wall with his partner, broke into the opponent's penalty area and accurately shot into the far corner of the goal. The ball, hitting the post, flew into the net – 1-0.

"Nebitchi" could not recoup in the remaining time. This allowed "Kopetdag" to climb to third place with 14 points. And "Nebitchi" dropped to a line below with 13 points.

"Altyn asyr" is in the second position with 14 points. And "Arkadag" is leading in the championship of Turkmenistan with 18 points out of 18 possible. At the same time, "Altyn asyr" and "Arkadag" played one match less than their pursuers.

The 8th round will end on May, 24 with the matches: "Merv" – "Energetik", "Altyn asyr" – "Arkadag" and "Shagadam" – "Ashgabat".