Going into this week's AFC Cup Group D matchday five fixtures, Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr knew that they had to win to put pressure on group leaders FC Istiqlol with a win over their opponents, FC Alay.
What transpired on Wednesday was a display of incredible goalscoring from their midfielder Murat Yakshiyev who helped himself to four goals in a 4-1 win that saw them keep abreast with Istiqlol with one more game left in the group.
Narrow first leg win for Johor, Alay beaten by Altyn Asyr
Yakshiyev showed fantastic instincts inside the penalty box for his goals, redirecting Suleyman Muhadov‘s shot beyond Alay goalkeeper for his first and then steering Arslanmyrat Amanov’s free kick over the line.
He would go on to net his hat-trick and add another goal as FC Alay's hopes of a comeback were extinguished in ruthless fashion.
Yakshiyev was a constant danger for Alay defence. coming up with eight shots in total and even making his presence in midfield count while defending, totalling three interceptions.
It is no surprise that Yakshiyev is deservedly our Asian Player of the Week.