Turkmenistan Youth Team Defeats Iraq 2–1

Turkmenistan’s national under-20 football team, led by head coach Didar Hajyyev, defeated Iraq 2–1 in its opening match of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign.

In the match held in Chonburi, Thailand, Ahal midfielder Yakupmuhammet Gowshudov converted a penalty in the 15th minute to open the scoring. Iraqi footballer Moamal Malik equalized in the 58th minute.

Altyn Asyr forward Veyisgeldi Orazdurdyyev scored Turkmenistan’s winning goal in the 77th minute. The victory earned the national team three points.