AFC Cup MD6: Lao FC 1-1 New Radiant SC

With both sides already eliminated from the Round of 16 reckoning before kickoff, New Radiant finish the group in third with five points, with Lao FC a further two back after three draws in Vientiane to add to their three away defeats.

In the group’s other tie Indonesian champions Persib Bandung secured first place after a rollercoaster 3-3 draw with Ayeyawady United from Myanmar who take the remaining ticket into the last 16 of the continental competition.

Click here for the final Group Stage standings

“I am very happy with the result as we had many injuries within the teams which affected us,” said New Radiant coach Hassan Hameed.

“It was a good match and a good performance from both sides with the draw being the deserved result between two sides who are equals.

“The team, including both players and coaches, has had a great experience in this year’s AFC Cup competition.”

The visitors took the lead with five minutes of the first half remaining through Maldives international Ali Fasir who made his first start in this year’s edition of the AFC Cup following an injury that had reduced him to making cameo apperances off the bench in the previous two ties.

Following half-time, though, the home side who were beaten 2-1 in the first meeting in Male, upped the pressure on the New Radiant goal and found their reward through Japanese forward Kazuo Homma eight minutes from time with an equaliser that ensured debutants Lao FC finished their continental campaign with an unbeaten record at home.

“We tried hard to win in front of our fans but New Radiant did very well in the game and put us under a lot of pressure,” said Lao FC coach David Booth.

“But we did well to get back in the game and back on level terms but it was a shame we couldn’t find a second goal before the match ended.

“I hope we can qualify again for the AFC Cup next year and do even better next time.”