“Ahal” Beat “Al-Ansar” but Failed to Reach the Quarterfinals

Turkmenistan’s “Ahal” football club defeated Lebanon’s “Al-Ansar” 2–1 in the final match of the AFC Challenge League group stage. However, despite the victory, the team failed to qualify for the quarterfinals.

The match was played at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The opening goal came at the end of the first half, in the 45th minute, when Begenc Mamiyew converted a penalty.

However, the Lebanese side equalized in the 63rd minute through a precise strike by Majed Osman. In the 77th minute, Yakupmuhammet Gowshudow finished an effective Ahal attack after a pass from Suleyman Mirzoyev, securing the victory for his team.

The defeat was Al-Ansar’s first loss of the group stage.

In the other match of the group, Syria’s “Al-Ittihad” defeated local side “Paro” 2–1.

As a reminder, Ahal drew 2–2 with Paro in their opening match of the tournament, while a 1–5 defeat to Al-Ittihad became the main obstacle preventing the Turkmen club from advancing to the next round.

After three rounds:

• “Al-Ansar” and “Al-Ittihad” collected 6 points each and finished first and second respectively.

• “Ahal” remained in third place with 4 points.

• “Paro” finished bottom of the group with 1 point.

As a result, Ahal finished third in the group and ended its campaign in the continental competition.