Tajikistan bundle out the Lankans
Bernard PERERA
Sri Lanka failed to keep their hopes alive of reaching the semifinals
of the AFC Challenge Cup when they were beaten by Tajikistan three goals
to one in Group ‘A’ match yesterday at the Sugathadasa stadium.
Tajikistan and Sri Lanka took the field in this game hoping for a win
as both teams were beaten in the previous games two days ago.
Tajikistan were lucky to gain a morale boosting goal in the early
stages of the game through a penalty awarded to them in the 12th minute
when a Sri Lankan defender was penalised inside the box. This gave the
Tajikistanis an advantage and making good use of the early goal settled
down well and fought a good battle.
Though Sri Lanka made few attempts to score, could not do so as the
defenders posed a big threat and the breather was taken with Tajikistan
in front one goal to nil.
The second session began with Sri Lanka hoping to make amends. They
fought a good battle for nearly 23 minutes and it was Fatkhulev Fakhullo
who put his side further ahead.
Never say die Lankans though they were trailing fought well making
many attacking moves.
This tactic helped them in the seventy seventh minute when substitute
Philip Dalpathado after receiving a ball from Fazlur Rahman fired a goal
to reduce the lead 2-1.
The last few minutes was a ding dong battle as Lankans were trying to
get the equalizer while the Tajikistanis were trying to hold on to their
lead.
Injury time saw Tukhtsunov Davronjon seal victory with the third goal
for Tajikistan.
This victory also gave the visitors hopes of remaining in the
tournament.
Sri Lankans performance yesterday was a much improved one when
compared with the earlier game against Myanmar.
Yesterday the team played a better game with better understanding.
Myanmar in semis - beat Bangladesh 2-1
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