Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Khujand: Bader Al Mutwa scored twice as Kuwait champions Al Qadsia boosted their chances of securing a place in the last 16 of the AFC Cup with a 3-1 comeback win over Tajikistan’s Ravshan on Tuesday.
Solomon Takyi had handed AFC Cup debutants Ravshan the lead after just two minutes at 20 Years of Independence Tajikistan Stadium as the Tajikistan champions looked to end their three-match losing streak in Group D.
But after Fahed Al Ebrahim pulled the visitors level midway through the first half, Al Mutwa took his tally for the campaign to five after netting either side of half-time to hand Al Qadsia their third win of the campaign.
And with Syria’s Al Shorta beating Jordan’s Al Ramtha 2-1, Al Qadsia moved three points clear of Al Ramtha with two games remaining alongside Al Shorta.
“The start was unexpected with the goal by Ravshan even though I had said the match would be difficult,” said Al Qadsia coach Mohammad Ebrahim.
“The hosts played well and made problems for us so I am happy that my players could change the situation and win the match.
“I am satisfied with the result, but we will try to play better in the upcoming matches.”
A fourth consecutive defeat, meanwhile, ended Ravshan’s hopes of securing a place in the Round of 16.
“We scored early in the first half, but when Al Qadsia made dangerous attacks we made mistakes and conceded three goals,” said Ravshan coach Gayratali Mirahmadov.
“It is very unpleasant for us and for the fans, but we tried our best but the level of our players is not like Al Qadsia.