The champions of football leagues in five Central Asian countries have been determined, with four of the five winning their gold medals ahead of schedule, reports the national portal “Adyrna,” citing Fergana.agency.
Kazakhstan
Almaty’s “Kairat” won the championship gold during its centennial year. This was the main goal set by club president Kairat Boranbayev at the beginning of the season. Although head coach Alexander Kerzhakov was dismissed mid-season, the team still claimed the title and secured a spot in the Champions League. The fate of the gold medals was decided in the final round when “Kairat” defeated “Atyrau” 1-0. Rival team “Astana” won against “Jetisu” (5-0) but had to settle for silver, while “Aktobe” claimed the Kazakhstan Cup and will compete in the Europa League. “Astana,” in fourth place, and “Shymkent Ordabasy” will represent Kazakhstan in the UEFA Conference League. For the first time in 33 years, Karaganda’s “Shakhtar” faces relegation from the top division unless the league expands. “Aksu” dropped out due to funding issues.
Kyrgyzstan
Kant’s “Abdysh-Ata,” led by Uzbek coach Islam Akhmedov, secured the championship title with two rounds remaining by defeating main rival “Dordoi” of Bishkek 1-0. The capital club took silver, while “Djal-Abad Muras United” likely claimed bronze after also winning the Kyrgyzstan Cup. “Abdysh-Ata” will represent Kyrgyzstan in the AFC Challenge League next season. The historically successful club “Alga” faces relegation from the Premier League.
Tajikistan
Dushanbe’s “Istiqlol,” coached by Igor Cherevchenko, claimed its 13th championship title in just 18 matches. Competition for the remaining medals continues, with contenders including “Khujand,” “Ravshan” from Kulob, and “Regar-TadAZ,” the latter of which also won the Tajikistan Cup. “Istiqlol” and “Regar-TadAZ” will compete in the second AFC Champions League next season. “Kuktosh” is currently at the bottom of the standings.
Turkmenistan
“Arkadag” won the championship early for the second consecutive year with the highest points total and claimed the Turkmenistan Cup for the second time as well. “Arkadag” won every domestic tournament match, setting an absolute record. “Ahal” and “Altyn Asyr” are vying for silver and bronze, while “Energetik” dropped out due to funding issues. “Arkadag” and the league’s silver medalist will participate in the second AFC Champions League.
Uzbekistan
For the first time in history, Karshi’s “Nasaf” became national champions, ending a 23-year streak in which only clubs from Tashkent held the title. “Nasaf” clinched the championship in the 23rd round by defeating Tashkent’s “Lokomotiv.” The battle for silver and bronze continues, with contenders including Almalyk AGMK, “Sogdiana” of Jizzakh, “Navbahor” of Namangan, “Pakhtakor” of Tashkent, and “Neftchi” of Fergana. “Metallurg” of Bekabad faces potential relegation. “Nasaf” will compete in the elite AFC Champions League next season, and “Andijan,” winners of the national cup, will make their debut in the second tier of the AFC Champions League.
