The decisive quarterfinal stage of the 2026 Turkmenistan Cup is approaching. Following the first-leg matches, reigning national champions “Arkadag” and Ashgabat-based “Altyn Asyr” delivered the most convincing performances and have all but secured their places in the tournament semifinals.
The highest-scoring match of the opening quarterfinals saw “Arkadag” crush “Merv” 7–0 at Nisa Stadium in Ashgabat. By the 15th minute, Vladimir Bayramov's team had already established a comfortable lead thanks to goals from Velmyrat Ballakov (6th minute), Bayram Atayev (11th), and a penalty converted by Didar Durdyyev (15th). “Arkadag's” dominance became even more evident in the second half. Yazgylych Gurbanov scored twice (49th and 58th minutes), while Ahmet Atayev (51st) and Begench Akmammedov (80th) each added a goal. Such a result leaves virtually no suspense ahead of the return leg.
“Altyn Asyr” also recorded an emphatic victory, defeating “Ashgabat” 6–1 at the Sport Toplumy Stadium in the Buzmeyin etrap of the capital. The star of the match was Begenchmyrat Myradov, who completed a hat-trick with goals in the 7th, 29th, and 77th minutes. Additional goals came from Rovshengeldi Halmammedov (37th), Mekan Ashyrov (61st), and Resul Rovshenmyradov (81st). The visitors' only goal was scored by Didar Didarov in the 64th minute.
The most competitive matchup among the league's leading clubs was the clash between “Ahal” and “Nebitchi.” The capital city club secured a 4–2 home victory. Suleyman Mirzoyev opened the scoring in the 3rd minute and then converted a penalty in the 29th minute to complete a brace. Late goals from Magtymgberdi Berenov (85th) and Dovran Hojamammedov (90+1) strengthened the hosts' advantage. The visitors’ goals came from Myratdurdy Bayramov (36th) and Hydyr Agoyliyev (90+2). Despite “Ahal's” victory, the two-goal margin leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return match in Balkanabat.
The only away win of the first quarterfinal round was recorded by “Kopetdag,” who edged “Shagadam” 1–0 in Turkmenbashi. The match was decided by Emir Berdiyev's goal in the 54th minute. The home team’s situation became more difficult when Serdar Guliyev was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 75th minute. Thanks to this victory, “Kopetdag” gained an important advantage ahead of the second leg on home field.
The return matches of the 2026 Turkmenistan Cup quarterfinals will be played on June 24. Following the first-leg results, “Arkadag” and “Altyn Asyr” appear to be the strongest candidates to advance to the semifinals, while the ties between “Nebitchi” and “Ahal,” as well as “Kopetdag” and “Shagadam,” remain far from settled.
