Merw BSFK 1-3 Ahal FK (Ýokary Liga – 24 May 2026)

Ahal FK continued their impressive title charge with a commanding 3‑1 away win over Merw BSFK at the Merw Stadium. The victory cements Ahal’s place at the top of the Ýokary Liga standings and extends their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Match Overview

The visitors started with intensity, pressing Merw high up the pitch and forcing early errors. Ahal’s attacking trio of Didar Durdyýew, Resul Hojaýew and Amandurdy Meretgulyýew proved too much for the Merw defence to handle. The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Durdyýew pounced on a loose ball in the box and smashed home from an acute angle.

Merw attempted to respond through set‑pieces, with towering centre‑back Gurbangeldi Bazarow heading narrowly over from a corner. But Ahal doubled their lead just before the half‑hour: Hojaýew turned his marker inside the area and curled a beautiful finish into the far corner. Merw pulled one back in the 41st minute via a well‑struck free‑kick from midfielder Maksatmyrat Hajyýew, giving the home fans hope.

Key Moments

• 14’ – GOAL! Didar Durdyýew opens the scoring for Ahal.
• 29’ – GOAL! Resul Hojaýew makes it 2‑0 with a superb individual effort.
• 41’ – GOAL! Maksatmyrat Hajyýew reduces the deficit for Merw from a free‑kick.
• 67’ – GOAL! Amandurdy Meretgulyýew restores Ahal’s two‑goal lead, finishing off a swift counter‑attack.
• 78’ – Merw’s Bazarow receives a second yellow card and is sent off, ending any hope of a comeback.

Tactical Story

Ahal’s manager, Muhammetnazar Orazow, deployed a fluid 4‑3‑3 that allowed his wingers to drift inside and overload the central areas. Merw’s 5‑3‑2 formation struggled to contain the movement, particularly in transitions. After going 2‑0 down, Merw pushed forward bravely but left gaps that Ahal exploited ruthlessly on the break. The red card to Bazarow sealed the home side’s fate.

Standout Performers

Ahal’s entire front line excelled, but Resul Hojaýew was outstanding – his goal and constant dribbling unsettled Merw throughout. For Merw, midfielder Hajyýew showed quality from dead‑ball situations and was the only player to consistently threaten the Ahal goal.

Table Impact

Ahal FK now sit four points clear at the top of the Ýokary Liga with a game in hand. Merw BSFK drop to eighth, five points adrift of the top six, and face an uphill battle to make the championship group.