Spotlight on Turkmenistan U20, the Group Dark Horse Before Facing Thailand U20 in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Thaifootball29 Aug 2026 07:30 GMT+7

Spotlight on Turkmenistan U20, the group’s dark horse, ahead of their clash with Thailand U20 in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

On 29 August 2026, get to know Turkmenistan U20, a key opponent Thailand U20 cannot overlook in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2027 Qualifiers, Group F, which Thailand is hosting.

The qualifiers are divided into 8 groups of 4 teams each. Thailand U20 is in Group F alongside Iraq, UAE, and Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan U20 is led by coach Didar Khadzhiev, a former Turkmenistan national midfielder. They prepared by competing in the 2026 CAFA U20 Championship in Tajikistan in May.

Their performance included a 3–1 win over Afghanistan, losses to Tajikistan 1–2, Kyrgyzstan 1–2, and Uzbekistan 0–2, finishing fourth in the tournament.

Strengths

- Team Understanding: Over 70-80% of players come from the Arkadag 2 club, a youth team of a major domestic club, fostering strong system understanding and chemistry.

- Speed on Counterattacks and Wings: Their wingers are fast and effectively draw opponents out, opening spaces in the center.

- Work Rate and Defensive Discipline: Midfielders press well and cover space effectively against similarly matched teams.

Weaknesses

- Handling Pressure and Top Opponents: Despite beating Afghanistan, losses to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan show they lose focus against more experienced, tough teams.

- Defending Aerial Balls: Their defense sometimes struggles with crosses from the wings and set-piece defense.

- Wasting Opportunities: Their forwards often require multiple chances to score, which could lead to errors against stronger sides like Iraq or UAE.

Three Dangerous Players

1. Diyargilish Urazov (Left Winger)

Key qualities: Speed and dangerous dribbling to break down defenses, able to cut inside to shoot or draw defenders to create space for teammates.

2. Yakubmuhammet Gofchudov (Attacking Midfielder)

Key qualities: The playmaker wearing number 10 controls the game pace, has vision for killer passes breaking defensive lines, and is a threat with long-range shots.

3. Waysgeldi Orazdurdiyev (Striker)

Key qualities: A strong target man up front, good in the air, able to hold up the ball for advancing attackers. A main weapon in quick counterattacks and set-pieces.