The first match of the second preliminary round of the Football Cup of Turkmenistan between teams “Ashgabat” and “Bagtiyarlyk-Lebap” was held in the capital’s “Kopetdag” stadium. Having won volitional and deserved victory with a score of 4 goals to one, “Ashgabat” team staked a weighty claim to quarterfinal prior to return game to be held on August 20 in Turkmenabat.

Competitors prepared for the game in different ways. In the first preliminary round, “Bagtiyarlyk-Lebap” got “Dashoguz” team out of tournament matches for the second club trophy of the country, having got the better twice: at guests - 2:0 and home – 3:1. "Ashgabat" team, which entered the fight for the Cup of Turkmenistan from the second preliminary round, held ten-day team practice session in Turkey at the end of July.