Few, if any previous national team squads have ever had such a dependency on one club side, than that of Turkmenistan with Altyn Asyr. Despite not having experienced a match to speak of since qualification ended back in March, Turkmenistan can look back on a monumental year for the nation’s club football that peaked with their leading club’s run to the AFC Cup final. Riding a tidal wave of success domestically, can coach of both club and country Yazguly Hojageldyyev transmit that good feeling onto the Emeralds’ campaign in the UAE?
Altyn Asyr, the club side that spurs the national team on this January, became the first club from Turkmenistan to make the final of the AFC Cup. The campaign included victories over previous finalists Bengaluru FC, the impressive North Korean outfit April 25 alongside a dominant spell in the regional group phase where they overcame neighbouring rivals Istiklol of Tajikistan.
The club’s rise to become Central Asia’s top club, which has been bankrolled by the telecommunications company of the same name has seen Altyn Asyr cruise through the last few seasons domestically in seemingly untouchable fashion. With little in the way of competition in terms of financial muscle, the side has sucked up the very best domestic talent, including both playing and coaching staff, to effectively replicate the very setup Turkmenistan rolled out in latter Asian Cup qualification.
The final piece of the puzzle, the reinstallation of Yazguly Hojageldyyev has cemented the undeniable link between club and country. Only bettered in terms of pedigree by legendary Russia based coach Kurban Berdyev, Hojageldyyev is the leading figure on the local football scene. Seven championships, with two clubs over the last 12 years is some going. This alongside taking over the national team at the start of 2017 for a second time, after leading the AFC Challenge Cup final appearances in his first spell in 2010 & 2012 sandwiched between his domestic successes.
These illustrious results leave the coach to a certain degree untouchable, and despite realistically modest expectations ahead of January, fans are keen to take the Altyn Asyr momentum with them. The national side in terms of structure has almost completely taken on the form of the AFC Cup finalists; 9 of the predicted 11 play their football for the club, while it’s possible that all three goalkeeping slots in the squad will be taken by Altyn Asyr players.
The national team callups are even starting to resemble a recruitment ground for Hojageldyyew’s club side, signing Wahyt Orazsahedov and Mekan Saparov over the last year for Altyn Asyr after impressive performances with the national team.
There have been consequences however to this linear practice. Success continentally has come at a heavy cost to Altyn Asyr, only edging to victory in the domestic title race this year from Ashgabat rivals Ahal and receiving damning criticism for their lacklustre performance against Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the AFC Cup final.
Hojageldyyev’s blind loyalty to his domestic employers has also seen players outside of the club receive ever limited call ups. Artur Gevorkyan a regular goal scorer in the Uzbek Super League and with Turkmenistan in World Cup qualification, has been exclusively ignored by Hojageldyyev since he took over. Given the gulf in quality they’ll likely be faced with in the Emirates, it seems misguided not to consider a recall for him.
Those who continue with the national team, from outside the Altyn Asyr sphere are either former Hojageldyyev players or those who have illustrious reputations outside the country. Much of the attacking emphasis will come through Ruslan Mingazow, still on the books of Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic. The wide midfielder has years of experience playing in Europe, something none of his peers can call upon.
In qualification, it was a tale of edging out results rather than dominant displays. Positive World Cup qualifying results such as a home draw with Asian Cup favourites Iran and victory over Oman were supplemented with contrasting failings such as a damaging defeat to Guam that opened their campaign.
In the resulting Asian Cup qualifying section, a favourable group including relative strugglers Singapore and Chinese Taipei was set up to ease their transition but made Turkmenistan sweat until the dying embers. Managing to edge both by a mere goal, the qualification campaign ended as an unattractive success story if there ever was one, emphasised by being the only side to qualify for the Asian Cup with a negative goal difference.
Their strengths consequently come through their unity, physical capabilities and mentality. Having forged a strong defensive base at club level (which wasn’t on display in Basra in October admittedly) Turkmenistan will be a hard nut to crack in the first instance.
Mobility has regularly been their deficiency, but with the emergence of Altymyrat Annadurdyyev, who only took up the professional game three years ago after a glittering futsal career, has added a sense of unpredictability to the side’s forward game.
Cutting in from the left, his combination play with either one of his strike partners at club level; Myrat Yagşyyev or the aforementioned Orazsahedov, Annadurdyyev has a healthy scoring record at Altyn Asyr which transitioned into Asian Cup qualifying, scoring three of his side’s nine efforts. Their opportunities are likely to be fleeting come January, having someone in such hot form going into the tournament is surely going to aid in their profligacy.
The group stage draw predictably maps a tough road ahead. Yet a Central Asia derby clash with Uzbekistan and an outing against Oman, the same side they clinched three points over in World Cup qualification will give the team the desired confidence boost. The question will ultimately be posed at Hojageldyyev’s selection and deployment of the resources available. After an historic 2018, to finish with a crushing AFC Cup final loss, a tighter than needed league title challenge followed by a turbulent time on the international stage in the UAE, his job is increasingly looking precarious.
Key Men
Head Coach - Yazguly Hojageldyyev
A legendary coach in Turkmenistan, who has won seven domestic championships with two different clubs, alongside consecutive finals at the AFC Challenge Cup with his country. Brought in for his second spell as national team coach, he clinched Asian Cup qualification alongside guiding club side Altyn Asyr to this year’s AFC Cup final.
Star Player - Altymyrat Annadurdiyev
Wide front man, who spearheaded Turkmenistan’s goal threat in the final round of qualification, scoring three goals in six matches, including the crucial winner at home to Chinese Taipei that ensured their place in the UAE. Has also performed impressively both at home and abroad domestically, scoring 12 in 16 over the past two AFC Cup campaigns.
Late Inclusion - Artur Geworkyan
Has a consistent scoring record domestically, playing in the Uzbek top flight over the last decade. Hasn’t featured for the national side since Hojageldiyev returned yet could be turned to in his country’s most decorative moment, given his experience and nous in front of goal.
Young Prospect - Resul Hojayev
The youngest option at Turkmenistan’s disposal, the 21-year-old central midfielder looks to give the national team a fresher feel in possession and in front of goal. Is becoming a regular favourite domestically with Altyn Asyr, forming a solid partnership with Serdar Geldiyew which looks to transition into the Asian Cup.
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