North Korea rout Kyrgysztan - 4/0

Bernard PERERA

North Korea with a fine display of soccer overcame Kyrgysztan by four goals to nil to head towards the semifinals of the ongoing AFC Challenge Cup yesterday at the Sugathadasa stadium. The winners were one nil at the half way mark with goal being scored by Korean skipper Paksong Chol in the eighteenth minute.

Koreans played to a plan right throughout this half but failed to find the net to add more goals to their tally. Kyrgysztan made every effort to find the equaliser but could not do so as the Korean defenders held a strong fort. The second session began with the Koreans looking for more goals and Kim Song Gi struck quickly to add to the score 2 - 0. Kyrgysztan could not hold their pressure from the Koreans. The Strikers stuck to their task and added two more goals through Choe Myong and Kim Won Sik in the 60th and 63rd minute respectively to seal victory and also to keep their hopes alive for a berth in the semis.

Turkmenistan edge out India

Turkmenistan with a hard fought game defeated India one goal to nil and kept their intentions clear to make it to the semis final. India though they lost the match displayed quality soccer right through the match giving the Turkmenistanis a torrid time.

The second session was evenly contested with both teams penetrating each others defence lines on many occasions. Indians never had the luck though they tried to get the equalizer during this session.

It was Turkmenistans penalty goal that gave them the chance to see them end up as victors.

India’s jewel, Raja Shaikh was shown the red card by the Japanese referee for rough play with over 15 minutes of play time left.

His departure added more pressure on the Indians as they had to battle with only nine players.

Turkmenistan at this stage went on a full scale attack and penetrated defence lines regularly but failed to add anything to the score as the Indians back row put on a strong fight back.

Turkmenistan had to fight all the way in the first half to hold on to their lead which they got through a penalty in the 26th minute of the game. India in the meantime fought a grim battle to halt the Turkmenistan strikers from scoring as they were in the lead and was trying to extend it.

Sri Lankans meet Bangladesh today

Today Sri Lanka take on Bangladesh at the same venue which is of vital importance for the Bangladeshis as this will decide their fate for the semi final berth.

On the other hand Sri Lanka will have to put up a better show at least to prove that they are capable of facing a stiff challenge.

Lankans should make every effort at least to settle for a draw to prove the local crowds that they are improving game by game.

This being a young side none could expect miracles but a better game of soccer is sufficient to satisfy the crowds expected for the game.