Arkadag carried the greater threat on their occasional sorties forward during a tepid opening 45 minutes, with full back Arzuwguly Sapargulyyev most prominent for the visitors.

It was Sapargulyyev who forced Golgohar’s Farzin Garousian into action in the 27th minute as he unleashed a left-footed shot from 25 yards out that required the goalkeeper to take action, diving low and to his right to palm the ball to safety.

Sapargulyyev took aim again four minutes later, this time from the left corner of the penalty area after receiving the ball from Resul Hojayew on his right but the rising shot was always clearing the crossbar.

Ten minutes after the interval Rahman Myratberdiyev’s shot on the turn from the edge of the area was gathered by Garousian while Guychmyrat Annagulyyev headed well wide from Sapargulyyev’s corner as the halfway point in the second half approached.

Sapargulyyev’s free kick presented Meylis Diniyev with an opportunity in the 71st minute only for the defender to head high over the bar while moments later the side from Turkmenistan went close to finally breaking the deadlock.

Annadurdyyev found a way past Ahmad Zendehrooh on the right side of the Golgohar penalty area and his centre was steered towards goal by Myratberdiyev, only for Garousian to block the shot at close range on the goal line.

Golgohar captain Alireza Alizadeh sent his 77th minute attempt from outside the penalty area well over the crossbar while substitute Aliyari went much closer in the 84th minute, steering his header narrowly wide after Siamak Nemati’s cross from the right.

That was as close to a winner as either side could manage and in the end the points were shared.