Kyrgyz Republic keep Finals hope alive
Bishkek: Kyrgyz Republic kept their hopes of qualifying for the AFC U-19 Championship 2018 alive after beating Bahrain 2-1 in a Group A qualifying tie at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek on Saturday.
Having suffered a 3-0 defeat to Oman after beating Nepal 2-0 in their opening match, Kyrgyz Republic desperately needed the three points on Saturday.
For Bahrain, the defeat was a blow after having opened their campaign with a 4-0 win over Nepal.
With the pitch slippery due to rain, Kyrgyz Republic and Bahrain started slowly but it suddenly burst into life in the 21st minute.
Bahrain's Adnan Alshirah capitalised on a mistake by Kyrgyz Republic goalkeeper Dastan Karypbekov to seize the ball inside the penalty area and strike from close range. However, his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Erzhan Tokotaev.
It was , however, Kyrgyz Republic who took the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute after Bahrain defender Salem Husain brought down midfielder Temirbolot Tapaev.
Temirbolot Tapaev scored from the penalty spot and Kyrgyz Republic, despite coming under tremendous pressure, protected their lead into the half time break.
Having allowed Bahrain to dictate possession in the closing stages of the first half, Kyrgyz Republic turned aggressors when the match restarted and could have taken the lead in the 47th minute but Gulzhigit Borubaev's effort was saved by the Bahrain goalkeeper
There was no stopping the hosts in the 54th minute though as striker Nurbekov Erzhan doubled their lead following a mistake by a Bahrain defender.
Kyrgyz Republic opted for a defensive approach after the second goal and Bahrain could only find a consolation deep into added on time through a free-kick taken by Abdulrahman Alsherooqi.
Kyrgyz Republic next play the United Arab Emirates on Monday while Bahrain will face Oman.
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com
Comments
This article has 0 comment(s) , give your comment