Central Asia sits in a unique situation at the moment; an isolated, unaffected island of calm in the midst of a global pandemic.
Only one COVID-19 case has been reported so far in the region (in Kazakhstan) whilst those to the East & West of them experience lockdown and state panic. Whether the region has done something right; be it luck or a matter of time before things turn worse, the virus, for now, has had minimal effect on football.
UZBEK SUPERLEAGUE
The Uzbek Super League is a few weeks into its domestic calendar, with last term’s runaway title winners Pakhtakor starting the season in an ominously productive mood. Their comfortable 4-1 home victory over Metallurg on Saturday was their third in a row (fifth including their early Champions League triumphs), all achieved with more of a productive industrial feel than any flair to write home about.
Each goal was an indication of Mettalurg’s undoing, gifting early goals to Serbian target man Dragan Ceran and Uzbek poacher Igor Sergeev, before the Tashkent club’s most mercurial talent Jallolidin Marsharipov put the game to bed in the second half. The weekend’s highlight though came as former Swiss international Eren Derdiyok came off the bench to score his debut goal in Uzbekistan. A looping header with a heavy slice of luck and effectiveness about it; he’ll fit in nicely in Tashkent.
Sunday will bear witness to Pakhtakor’s two closest contestants for the title in Navbahor and city rivals Lokomotiv. The teams met last week in a controversial scene, finishing with the former taking all three points in a typically heated encounter. While qualities have increased in many areas in Central Asian football, key clashes continue to revert to a type of physical and mental torture rendering it extremely difficult to officiate.
Lokomotiv have been weak so far this season, but not for the lack of attacking talent. Navbahor, on the other hand seems to be the people’s club this season. It is rallying fans behind the cause against the capital establishment, that has attracted significantly the largest crowds in the league.
REST OF THE REGION
Elsewhere in the region, domestic seasons are slowly restarting with varying degrees of spectator engagement. In Tajikistan, we’re in the final rounds of their pre-season League Cup tournament, running in direct correlation to the early stages of continental competition; champions Istiklol beat Khujand in a behind closed doors AFC Cup tie in midweek.
The fixture list has similarly been flexed to accommodate the AFC Cup in Kyrgyzstan, yet while champions Dordoi were unable to fulfill their continental duties; they take on Ilmirs in an early tip of the table dual in the KPL, regrettably tainted (as some pointed out on social media) by the lack of supporters.
In Turkmenistan however, the new Yokary Liga season does allow spectators to attend matches. Altyn Asyr were given the first few weeks off to concentrate on an AFC Cup group stage which is yet to start, so they will be opening their account against Sagadam on Monday, alongside a potentially thrilling matchup between Ahal and Merw in Ashgabat.
Key upcoming matches;
Sunday;
Andijon v Navbahor Namangan
Lokomotiv Tashkent v Buxoro
Dordoi v Ilbirs
Monday;
Ahal v Merw
Sagadam v Altyn Asyr
Martin Lowe is an Asian football expert and writer, follow his work for more wonders from Central Asia.