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2010 AFC Challenge Cup: Day Five Preview - Three Teams In Contention For The Semis
Myanmar only need a point to qualify as Group A winners...
20-Feb-2010 12:55:00 AM
By Amoy Ghoshal
Group A Qualification Scenario
Points GD GF GA
1. Myanmar 6 +5 6 1
2. Tajikistan 3 +1 4 3
3. Bangladesh 3 0 3 3
4. Sri Lanka 0 -6 1 7
Myanmar – A point will ensure their place in the last four as Group A winners but even a defeat could earn them a semis berth as they have a very good goal difference
Tajikistan- They need to match Bangaldesh's result against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh- They have to get a better result than Tajikistan and then it could come down to goals scored.
Sri Lanka- Out of contention
Tajikistan – Myanmar
The Central Asians could get eliminated from the group stage for the very first time in this competition even if they win. While, a draw will be enough for Myanmar to book their place in the last four.
After surprisingly losing against Bangladesh, Tajikistan showed their class to bounce back with a well deserved victory over hosts Sri Lanka. The 2006 winners were very impressive in the first half and were cruising after the break also until a late goal from Lanka. The Central Asians looked nervy but eventually held on for three important points. The weather conditions were slightly responsible for their struggle in the second period but Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev made sure that his team remains in contention for the last four going into the last game. The attacking midfielder would be hoping for an equally good performance in this game also while the experienced Yusuf Rabiev will be looking to get on the scoresheet after failing to do so in the last game. Tajikistan’s fate is not completely in their hands but they should at least aim to put in a good team performance and win the game to make sure that they have done their part right.
Two wins in as many games puts Myanmar in the driving seat as they will both qualify and win the group if they get a point from this. After a thumping win over Sri Lanka in their first tie, Myanmar exhibited their fighting spirit to earn a narrow win over an in-form Bangladesh side. The South East Asians scored two fine goals in the first half and then made the most of their high fitness levels to see out the second half despite some good pressure from Bangladesh. Their attack has looked in very good touch with striker Yan Paing, who is suspended for this game, playing a key role in both victories and Pai Soe repaying his manager’s faith by scoring for the second consecutive game. Myanmar are in a very comfortable position but they should still approach this game with seriousness and not get complacent.
Tajikistan coach Pulod Kodirov will be able to welcome back defender Farrukh Choriev, who was ruled out against Lanka due to suspension. Myanmar tactician Tin Myint Aung might be tempted to rest a few players ahead of the semis and with Yan Paing suspended, young striker Kyaw Ko Ko could start.
There is no doubt that Tajikistan will be going for the win but the Central Asians must maintain a proper balance because if they concede early, their task will become even more difficult. Also coach Kodirov should adopt a strategy that would ensure that this team are able to give their best for the entire 90 minutes. Myanmar are entitled to play the waiting game as they don’t really need three points but they could still play to their strength by attacking from the very start. Both sides reached the semis in the last edition but there is no guarantee of that happening this time.
Sri Lanka – Bangladesh
Hosts Sri Lanka, who are already eliminated, will be playing for pride against South Asian neighbours Bangladesh, who can still make it to the semis if they get a better result than Tajikistan.
Despite hosting the tournament, Sri Lanka are already out of contention for a semi-final place after suffering two consecutive defeats. The decision to opt for a young squad backfired as the players couldn’t deliver which will be a big disappointment for the local population. They did put up a fight against Tajikistan in the latter stages of the game and even threatened to get an unlikely equalizer after a fine goal from substitute Philip Dalpethado but in the end they lost 1-3. The Lankans will now be looking to salvage some pride by winning the last game although coach Mohamed Amunulla has stated that he will be using the match to give the reserves a run out which he thinks will give the youngsters some more international exposure.
Bangladesh’s win over Tajikistan made them one of the favourites to go through to the semis but defeat against Myanmar means they are placed third going into the last matchday. The 2010 South Asian Games gold medalists played some good attacking football but were unable to match Myanmar’s work rate in midfield and thus were chasing shadows for the majority of the game. They will now be looking to put in a strong performance against Sri Lanka and win the match. Striker Enamul Haque’s match winning abilities will be crucial while Zahid Hossain, who came off the bench to score in the last game could make a huge difference if coach Titu wishes to start with him. Bangladesh will of course be depending on the other result but they must remain focused and aim to win their match first.
Defender Tuwan Raheem is available again for Sri Lanka after missing out against Tajikistan due to suspension. Bangladesh don’t have any injuries or suspensions but coach Titu has stated of a possible change in strategy.
It will be interesting to see how much effort the Lankans put in especially if they concede first yet again. Bangladesh know that the onus is on them, which should suit their attacking players but they must also remain careful at the back and not let in any silly goals.
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