Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Two goals in the final 10 minutes gave Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan a 2-1 victory over Al Yarmouk of Yemen as they and Kyrgyzstani side Alay FC, who came out on top in a penalty shootout with Palestine champions Al Dharia, claimed the two 2014 AFC Cup places available via the qualifying play-offs on Sunday.
Ravshan, who currently lead Tajikistan’s Vysshaya Liga and are undefeated this season, continued their winning ways against visitors Al Yarmouk in freezing temperatures at a snowy Metallurg Stadium in Tursunzade.
However, after a goalless first half, it was the Yemen champions who took the lead with a goal two minutes past the hour from striker Mohammed Al Abidi which threatened to end Ravshan hopes of a second consecutive AFC Cup appearance.
But with nine minutes of time remaining the hosts were given a lifeline and awarded a penalty which was promptly dispatched by substitute Numondzhon Khakimov. An immediate impact made by the forward, just three minutes after he took the field as a replacement for midfielder Abdusamad Khodzhibaev.
And four minutes later it got even better for the Tajik team as Ghanaian striker Solomon Takyi netted the winner to secure back-to-back appearances in the continental competition.
At Dura stadium in Hebron, meanwhile, away side Alay FC defeated hosts Al Dharia 8-7 in a penalty shootout to confirm their debut appearance at the 2014 AFC Cup following a 1-1 scoreline after the regulation 90 minutes and extra time had expired.
Al Dharia’s Wasim Haloon missed the decisive penalty for his side after earlier missed spot kicks by Haloon’s team-mate Ayman Manaa and Alay’s forward Almazbek Mirzaliev had cancelled each other out in front of a crowd of 7,000.
One of those with more fortune from the spot was Alay defender Iliaz Alimov who also scored the opener for his side on 40 minutes. However, the Palestinian team were soon able to level the scores through striker Hasan Sarhan on the stroke of half-time.
Neither side could add to their totals in the second half, nor in the added 30 minutes of extra time, and it was only with a penalty shootout that the sides could be separated with the Kyrgyzstan champions coming out on top.
Alay’s maiden AFC Cup campaign will see them face Jordanian side Shabab Al Ordon, Iraq’s Arbil and Riffa of Bahrain in Group D, while Ravshan go into Group A to face Oman champions Al Suwaiq, That Ras of Jordan and Lebanese outfit Safa.
The opening fixtures for the 2014 AFC Cup group stages take place on February 25 and 26.
Photo: WSG