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| AFC Challenge Cup |
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| Tajikistan edge DPR Korea |
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| Tajikistan goalscorer Dzhomikhon Muhidinov (#19) is being congratulated by his teammates after he scored the goal against DPR Korea on Thursday. |
HYDERABAD – Tajikistan will bid to defend their AFC Challenge Cup title against hosts India on Sunday after a recording a 1-0 victory over DPR Korea at the Gachibowli Stadium on Thursday.
Dzhomikhon Muhidinov netted the only goal six minutes before half-time to allow Tajikistan the opportunity to replicate their success of 2006.
DPR Korea, who were reduced to nine men in the closing stages as captain Nam Chol Pak and Choe Myong Ho were both shown straight red cards, will now take on Myanmar in a play-off for third place on Sunday.
Jo Tong-sop's Korean side seemed to adapt better to the wet conditions after both sides had a chance to go ahead early in the game.
DPR Korea goalkeeper Ju Kwang Min spilled a low shot from Numondzhon Khakimov after two minutes but quickly recovered to gather the ball, while Kim Kuk Jin saw an attempt sail harmlessly past the left upright after four minutes.
Little was given away as the sides battled for midfield supremacy but conditions deteriorated further due to the persistent drizzle.
DPR Korea had the chance to go ahead after 27 minutes but Kim Kyong Il fired high and wide from a corner.
A glancing header from Kim Kuk Jin, off a cross from Jon Kwang Ik, rolled just wide of the right post as DPR Korea pressed forward towards the Tajikistan goal.
Muhidinov then put Tajikistan in front, converting a free-kick from Nasirov Naim after 39 minutes after catching goalkeeper Ju Kwang Min slightly off his line.
It was the first goal Korea had conceded in the tournament and left them with the unfamiliar task of coming from behind.
Korea came out fighting in the second half and should have had a goal three minutes after the interval when substitute So Kwang Chol, who came on in the first half for Ho Jong Min, headed a cross from Pak Song Chol towards goal only for the ball to stop short of the goal-line in the mud, allowing Nasirov to clear.
Davrondzhon Tukhtasunov then had the chance to make victory certain, but he drove straight at Kwang Min from close range.
DPR Korea, the highest ranked team in the competition, fought on in the hope of finding an equaliser.
But their bid effectively ended when Nam was sent off three minutes from time for venting his frustration at referee Masaaki Iemoto of Japan.
Choe followed his captain to the dressing room soon after for the same offence as the match ended on a sour note.
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