By: Annasahet Kakayew
Deputy Chairman of State TV Turkmenistan

Ashgabat will host a landmark football match on February 11 as Saudi giants Al-Nassr visit Turkmenistan for the first time to face domestic champions FC Arkadag in the Round of 16 of the AFC Cup 2. The game will be played at the Olympic City Stadium and is expected to attract wide regional attention. The fixture represents a major moment for Turkmen club football, bringing one of Asia’s most high-profile teams to the country. Al-Nassr, led by global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, arrive as clear favorites on paper, but Arkadag have built a reputation as one of Central Asia’s fastest-rising sides.

Founded in 2023, FC Arkadag have quickly established themselves at the top of Turkmen football. The club has already won two domestic doubles, capturing both the league title and the national cup twice. Their rapid rise continued in 2025, when they finished first in the AFC Cup 3, earning promotion to the higher-tier AFC Cup 2. In their debut campaign at this level, Arkadag have progressed confidently to the Round of 16. The club also claimed its first international trophy in May 2025, defeating Cambodia’s Svay Rieng in the AFC Challenge League final — a result that underlined their growing competitiveness on the continental stage.

Head coach Vladimir Bayramov has strengthened the squad ahead of the knockout stages. The return of experienced players Dayanch Meredov, Rahman Myratberdyev, and Meilis Diniyev adds depth across all areas of the pitch and provides valuable experience for a match of this profile. For Al-Nassr, the trip to Ashgabat adds another chapter to their continental campaign. With a squad featuring international stars and a strong recent record in Asian competitions, the Saudi side will be aiming to secure a decisive away result. Football remains the most popular sport in Turkmenistan, and the visit of one of Asia’s most famous clubs is seen as a milestone for the domestic game. The February 11 clash offers FC Arkadag the chance to test themselves against elite opposition and further establish their name on the Asian football stage.

Kickoff at the Olympic City Stadium promises a rare and high-profile night of continental football in Ashgabat.