The second-leg quarter-final matches of theTurkmenistan Football Cup 2026, held in Ashgabat, Balkanabat, and Mary, brought the battle for the semi-final berths to a close. Following the two-legged ties, “Arkadag,” “Altyn Asyr,” “Ahal,” and “Kopetdag” secured places among the tournament's final four.
“Arkadag” delivered the most dominant performance of the quarter-finals. After routing “Merv" 7–0 at home in the first leg, the defending national champions maintained their momentum in the return match in Mary, recording another emphatic 5–0 victory. The goals came from Begench Akmammedov (17th minute), Didar Durdyev (21st), Dayanch Meredov(38th), Bayram Atayev (56th), and Diyargylych Urazov (62nd). As a result, “Arkadag” completed the quarter-final tie with an overwhelming 12–0 aggregate score.
“Altyn Asyr” also progressed comfortably. Having won the first leg 6–1, the team completed the job with a convincing 3–0victory over “Ashgabat” in the return match. Technically, the second leg was played away, although both quarter-final fixtures took place at “Altyn Asyr's” home ground in the capital’s Buzmeyin etrap. The goals were scored by Bagtyyar Gurgenov (10th minute), Veysgeldi Orazdurdyev (39th), and Myrat Ovezmyradov (48th), giving “Altyn Asyr” a commanding 9–1 aggregate triumph.
The tie between “Ahal” and “Nebitchi” proved to be another entertaining contest. Having secured a 4–2 home victory in the first leg, “Ahal” once again proved superior in the return fixture in Balkanabat, winning 5–2. Suleyman Mirzoyev scored twice (3rd and 11th minutes), as did Magtymberdi Berenov (40th and 69th), while Yakupmuhammet Govshudov added another goal in the 58th minute. The hosts’ scorers were Seyitmammet Hojamammedov (48th) and Hydyr Agoyliyev (89th). “Ahal” advanced with a convincing 9–4 aggregate victory.
The closest contest was the showdown between “Kopetdag” and “Shagadam.” After edging the first leg 1–0 away from home, the Ashgabat club held “Shagadam” to a 2–2 draw in the return match. Emir Berdiyev (22nd minute) and Musaguly Zorjikov (77th) scored for “Kopetdag,” while Guwanch Valiyev (43rd) and Resul Makhmydov (61st) found the net for the visitors. “Kopetdag” progressed thanks to their first-leg victory, winning the tie 3–2 on aggregate to become the final semi-finalist.
The semi-final pairings are: “Ahal” vs. “Kopetdag” and “Altyn Asyr” vs. “Arkadag.” The first-leg matches will be hosted by the teams listed first. The dates of the semi-final fixtures will be announced at a later time.
