Roman Kornilov (right) surges ahead with the ball against Bangladesh during their AFC Challenge Cup qualifier in Bishkek on Friday.

BISHKEK: Hosts Kyrgyzstan did Afghanistan a favour by beating Bangladesh 2-1 in the AFC Challenge Cup Group C qualifiers here at the Spartak Stadium on Friday.

The hosts' win helped Afghanistan, who drew goalless with Bangladesh in the first game and defeated Kyrgyzstan 1-0 in the second, qualify as group toppers with four points for the Finals to be played in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad from July 30 to August 10.

Needing to win by a two-goal margin to keep Afghanistan at bay, Bangladesh started well after a barren first half when Jahin Hasan Ameli’s header gave them the lead in the 63rd minute but two late goals by Roman Kornilov and Ruslan Sydykov sealed the fate of the South Asians.

Kornilov restored parity for Nematjan Zakirov's side in the 83rd minute and Sydykov made it 2-1 four minutes later to confirm victory for the Central Asians.

The hosts could have opened the account in the 22nd minute but Hurshid Lutfullaev’s shot was parried by Bangladesh custodian Aminul.

Kornilov could have made it 1-1 in the 66th minute but his solo effort went over the bar though he succeeded in leveling the scores in the 83rd minute and four minutes later Sydykov headed a Hurshid Lutfullaev cross to gave the hosts a face-saving victory.

Kyrygyzstan coach Nematjan Zakirov said he felt devastated despite the win. "We should have qualified for the main tournament. We had the best team. I am glad with today's win but with tears in my eyes," said Zakirov after the match.

"I am disappointed with my team’s performance but still we created dangerous moments and thankfully we were able to score in the end," said Zakirov.

"I had high expectations from my team before this tournament. I will continue working for the development of our football and we will develop physically to play better in other tournaments," said Bangladesh coach Abu Yusuf.

Klaus Stark's Afghanistan join the qualifiers from Group A Sri Lanka and direct entrants hosts India, Korea DPR, Myanmar and Turkmenistan in the main competition. Group B qualifying runs through May 13-17 and one of the four sides - Brunei Darussalam, Bhutan, the Philippines and defending champions Tajikistan - will book their berth in the finals. Group D comprising Macau, Nepal, hosts Cambodia and Palestine fight it out from May 24-28.