MARY, Turkmenistan (Interstat) — Ahal earned a 2-0 away victory over Merw in the Ýokary Liga on Thursday at Mary welaýatynyň Mary şäheriniň Merw Stadiony. Nazar Towakelow opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, and Elman Tagaýew sealed the win with a goal in the 80th. The result extends Ahal’s strong form this season, improving its league record to 19 wins, 6 losses and 5 draws. Merw, struggling throughout the campaign, falls to 3 wins, 24 losses and 6 draws. The visiting side has now defeated Merw twice in a week, having posted a 4-0 win in the previous meeting on Dec. 4.