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| AFC Challenge Cup |
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| Tajikistan held by spirited Philippines |
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| James Younghusband (in red) is challenged by Tajikistan's Dzhomikhon Muhidinov. |
ILOILO CITY – Ten-man Philippines held defending champions Tajikistan to a goalless draw while Brunei and Bhutan fought to a 1-1 stalemate in the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 Group B qualifiers here on Thursday.
The Philippines played the last 69 minutes at the Iloilo Sports Complex with 10 men after defender Jason Cordova was sent off in the 21st minute for punching Tajikistan striker Numondzhon Khakimov in the face.
At the Barotac Nuevo Football Plaza, Bhutan took the lead in the 12th minute through Dendup Nawang before Salleh Muhammad Khayrun latched on to a pass from Kasmi Muhammad Maududi Himi to restore the parity 14 minutes from the final whistle.
The results meant that all four teams have an equal chance of qualifying for the tournament proper to be held in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad from July 30 to August 10. Tajikistan and the Philippines are on four points but Pulod Kodirov’s side lead standings on the basis of a better goal difference.
Kodirov’s men couldn't break down a compact Philippine defence in the opening 15 minutes. Their first chance came in the 19th minute when Yusuf Rabiev failed to direct his volley on the target after a terrific layoff from Numondzhon.
With the Philippines playing defensively, Tajikistan was limited to a series of half-chances with the best coming from Sohib Savankulov when his 34th minute effort from 20 yards whistled inches off the right top corner.
Three minutes later, Philippines could have taken the lead but Phil Younghusband’s lofted effort went over the bar.
A scuffle broke out near the Philippines beach after the half time whistle involving Tajikistan defender Zafardzhon Zuvaydov and Anton Del Rosario.
The incident saw five bookings – four for Tajik players Zuvaydov, Ibragim Rabimov, Odil Irgashev and Suhrob Mansurov and one for the Philippines’ Del Rosario.
Dzhomikhon Muhidinov's through ball released Khakimov at the edge of the area but Philippines custodian Neil Etheridge denied him a clear shot on goal in the 74th minute that proved to be the best chance for Tajikistan in the second half.
The Philippines held firm from there to share the spoils.
"We played very well. It's a good result for us," said Philippines coach Norman Fegidero. "We played very tight and we showed them that we were well-prepared.”
Philippines defender Alexander Borromeo added: "We proved them wrong. The red card on Cordova made us stronger. The pushing and shoving was part of the game because we are the best of two teams here.”
Kodirov blamed the poor pitch condition saying, "We cannot run because of the bad pitch".
Tajikistan, who defeated Bhutan 3-1 in the opener on Tuesday, will take on Brunei on Saturday in the final game while the hosts, who overcame Brunei 1-0 in their opening match, will take on Bhutan on the same day.
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