Saudi Gazette report
ALQASSIM — Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun FC capitalized on their home advantage to secure a 2-1 victory against Altyn Asyr FC of Turkmenistan in their AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 Group B match on Wednesday.
This win brought Al Taawoun's points total to six at the halfway mark of the group stage, while Altyn Asyr remains in search of their first point, with the two teams set to meet again on November 6.
Al Taawoun started the game strong but only managed to create one significant chance early on. In the 12th minute, a corner kick led to Flavio da Silva striking the upright with a powerful shot.
The Saudi Pro League side maintained their pressure, coming close again with a curling free-kick from Musa Barrow that required Altyn Asyr goalkeeper Dovletmuhammet Jallatov to reposition himself to make the save.
Throughout the first half, Altyn Asyr struggled to make an impact in Al Taawoun’s half, as the home side dominated possession. Their persistence paid off late in the first half when Faycal Fajr delivered a free-kick in the second minute of added time that found Barrow. He deftly set up Joao Pedro, who flicked the ball home from close range.
The second half saw Al Taawoun start with renewed energy. Fajr launched a long ball to Barrow, who then assisted Sultan Mandash, allowing him to sweep the ball past a bewildered Jallatov in the 47th minute.
This early goal jolted Altyn Asyr into action, and they advanced into Al Taawoun’s penalty area for the first time in the 58th minute. Rahman Myratberdiyev took full advantage of the opportunity, smashing a shot into the top corner to narrow the gap.
Boosted by their goal, Altyn Asyr began pushing more players forward. However, it was Al Taawoun who nearly restored their two-goal advantage when Barrow’s curling shot in the 82nd minute hit the post, leaving Jallatov stranded.
In the closing moments, Altyn Asyr had a late chance through Myrat Annayev, but his long-range attempt sailed well over the bar, marking the end of their hopes to salvage a draw in the match.
