Today, on the occasion of the opening of the city of Arkadag, the first ever football match was held at the stadium put into operation here, in which the local team of the same name met with the current champion of Turkmenistan «Ahal». The game, although it had the status of a friendly, aroused increased interest among football fans, who filled the stands of the 10,000-seat arena to capacity.

This year, these teams have already met each other in the first round of the Turkmenistan Football Championship. Then «Arkadag» won with a score of 5:2.

With a noticeable advantage of the leader of the national championship, this game also passed, although at first the match «Ahal» was in no way inferior to more skillful players. In the first half hour, the rivals exchanged sharp moments. At first, «Arkadag» could open the score, but «Ahal» goalkeeper Rustem Hallyyev rescued his team after a free kick from 20 meters. And then the guests could come forward. «Ahal’s» player Gurbanmuhammet Esenov from outside the penalty area kicked almost at an empty goal, but at the last moment defender Ihlas Toyjanov managed to knock the ball out.

And yet, the teams went to the break with the score 1:0 in favour of «Arkadag». In the 40th minute, the hosts intercepted the ball in the penalty area, and Begmyrat Bayov accurately shot into the near corner from 7 meters, becoming the author of the first ever goal at the smart city stadium.

The second half began with the attacks of «Arkadag», who soon scored the second goal. In the 51st minute, Begmyrat Bayov, leaving the right side one on one with the goalkeeper, gave a great pass to Shanazar Tirkishov, who sent the ball into an empty net.

Orazberdi Myradov, assisted by Arzuvguly Sapargulyyev, put the winning point in the match in the 89th minute.

So, having won with a score of 3:0 over the current champion and owner of the Cup of Turkmenistan, the Arkadag players began to write a new history at their home stadium, where, we hope, they will achieve many more bright victories on the international arena.