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AFC Cup 2018: Group Stage Matchday Six Preview: Central, South & East Zones

The AFC Cup 2018 is into its final matchday in the Central, South and East Zone. Here is a look at what awaits us this week: 


GROUP D (Central Zone): 


FC Istiklol (TJK) v Altyn Asyr (TKM):

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FC Istiklol, at home to Altyn Asyr in the final Group D game of the AFC Cup, have their destiny in own hands. They lead the Turkmenistani team by two points and a draw or a win will ensure they progress to the Inter-Zonal semifinals. 

Altyn Asyr, meanwhile, need to defeat Istiklol to go through to the next stage. 

Venue: Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor
Kick-off: May 16, 18:00 UTC+5

FC Alay (KGZ) v FC Ahal (TKM)

In the other game in Group D, Kyrgyzstan's FC Alay take on Turkmenistan's FC Ahal. The game is a dead-rubber, given that both teams cannot progress to the next stage and all that is left to play for is pride. 

Alay are yet to win a point and will hope to at least get one before they end their commitments. 

Venue: Akhmatbek Suyinbaev Stadium, Osh
Kick-off: May 16, 17:30 UTC+6

 

GROUP E (South Zone)


Aizawl FC (IND) v New Radiant SC (MDV)

India's Aizawl FC are up against Group E leaders New Radiant SC on Wednesday in a crunch game. New Radiant, who lead Bengaluru FC at the top of the group by head-to-head record, will progress to the next stage if they manage to match Bengaluru's result from the other game. 

A win will definitely see them against Aizawl, who are bottom of the group. 

Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
Kick-off: May 16, 18:45 UTC+5:30
 

Abahani Limited Dhaka (BAN) v Bengaluru FC (IND)

Bengaluru FC know that they need a favour from their compatriots Aizawl FC when they take on Bangladesh's Abahani Dhaka on Wednesday. The Indian outfit needs to better the result of New Radiant in the other game. 

It is set to be a nervy wait for Albert Roca's men. 

Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka
Kick-off: May 16, 19:15 UTC+6


GROUP I (East Zone): 


4.25 SC (PRK) v Hang Yuen FC (TPE)

4.25 SC are at home to Chinese Taipei's Hang Yuen on Wednesday. The North Korean side have already qualified for the Inter-Zonal semifinals after five wins from five games and as such renders the result of this game inconsequential. 

However, they will look to make it through with a perfect record while Hang Yuen will hope to get their first points on board. 

Venue: May Day Stadium, Pyongyang
Kick-off: May 16, 19:30 UTC+8:30
 

Benfica Macau (MAC) v Hwaepul SC (PRK)

Benfica Macau will finish their AFC Cup commitments with a game at home to North Korea's Hwaepul SC. There is nothing riding on this game but If Benfica avoid defeat at home to Hwaepul they will finish in second place in what would be viewed as a successful debut campaign . 

Venue: Macau Olympic Stadium, Macau
Kick-off: May 16, 19:00 UTC+8

 
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