Coronavirus has suspended many leagues, but in one country there is a decision to resume its division.
The Yokary Liga, Turkmenistan’s top flight, is returning to action this weekend.
The league was suspended after three matches, with the latest games being played on March 20. The coronavirus had an early effect on Turkmen football when the first AFC Cup match of Altyn Asyr was cancelled. Since then, the Turkmen FA decided to follow the decision of other Asian countries and cancel games.
Meanwhile, the way that Turkmenistan is dealing with the crisis is unusual. Just like their neighbors, Tajikistan, there are no reported cases in the country, but it is not based on an official WHO announcement. The President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, decided to take different actions against the coronavirus. For example, one of the last acts was to prohibit the use of the word 'coronavirus', which also applies to doctors and journalists. Turkmenistan is taking the denial of COVID-19 to a whole new level. Last week, they held a mass cycle rally in the capital city, Ashgabat.
The Yokary Liga is now ready for its new beginning. After a month off, teams will be back on the race for the title in the long upcoming season. Eight teams in the league play in four rounds. There is a second division in Turkmenistan, but with no relegation.
Altyn Asyr is the top side in Turkmenistan. The club won the last six championships and provided the biggest achievement of a Turkmen club in the AFC Cup, reaching to the 2018 final in a losing effort to Iraqi Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. The team had a significant part in the national team when they participated in the 2019 Asian Cup. 11 out of the 23 squad players played in the club, as well as the coach Yazguly Hojageldyyew, who managed the club and the national simultaneously. Watch for the club's key player, Altymyrat Annadurdyyew, the former national team captain.
Ahal is making their slow path to the top of the league. They finished second in four out of the last six seasons and won three domestic cups. They had success in the AFC Cup, but this season they preferred to walkover before their qualifying match. Their best player is Serdar Annaorazow, a 28-year-old right-back who made 29 international caps and is considered as one of the leading players in the current national team squad.
Köpetdag was the surprising leader before the league suspension. In the Soviet era, they were the best Turkmen club, as they played for a few seasons in the second Soviet division. After the USSR dissolution, they managed to win six Turkmen championships but later faced a financial crisis. Last season they were back among the best clubs in the country, but didn't repeat their previous success. They showcase one of the promising youngsters of the league, 19-year-old striker, Bayramgeldy Gulmayew.
More players worth a mention:
Akmyrat Jumanazarow – The 32-year-old defender who currently plays for Energetik was part of the HTTU Ashgabat squad when the club won the AFC President's Cup in 2014.
Akmammet Metdayew – One of the most prolific scorers in last season with 7 goals. Nowadays, he plays for Nebitçi.