Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ashgabat: Altyn Asyr maintained their narrow one-point lead over Turkmen rivals Ahal in Group D of the 2018 AFC Cup on Wednesday night following a 0-0 away draw.
It was hosts Ahal who almost took the lead early on at Ashgabat Stadium, with Akmamedov Begench's curled free-kick rattling the crossbar from 20-yards. However, it was to prove the hosts only effort of the opening half.
On the stroke of half-time, Altyn Asyr striker Murat Yakshiyev almost took advantage of space in the box to head home a pinpoint Altymyrat Annadurdyyev cross. His diving effort, though, narrowly missed the target.
With the game entering stoppage time, Ahal midfielder Hoshgeldy Hojovov squandered perhaps the best chance of the night, prodding wide a cross from six yards to ensure the deadlock would remain unbroken.
The result leaves Altyn Asyr on five points from their opening three group stage games, with Ahal just a point behind in third position. The sides will meet again in Balkanabat on April 25 in their next AFC Cup fixture.