Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Melaka: A second-half stoppage time equaliser failed to save Three Star Club of Nepal as they crashed out of the AFC President’s Cup 2013 Final Stage after they drew 1-1 with Erchim of Mongolia on Wednesday.
Three Star, who were making a comeback to the tournament after an eight-year hiatus, had lost 6-0 in their finals opener at the hands of Turkmenistan outfit Balkan on Monday.
Erchim still have a match to face off Balkan in the last match of Group A held at a neutral venue, Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka state on Friday.
Three Star defender Bijay Dimal began serious action with a long-range kick on five minutes but it was stopped smartly by Erchim goalkeeper Ariunbold Batsaikhan, before Erchim became the first scorers through the effort of midfielder Battulga Zorigt on eight minutes.
After 15 minutes, Three Star skipper Enkhjargal Tserenjav got a chance to equalise as he backheeled the ball but it was easily picked up by Batsaikhan before the match went into the break at 1-0 for Erchim.
Dimal again had a chance on 53 minutes as he scrambled from the left side of goal but could not finish as the try was stopped by Batsaikhan. One minute later, defender Biraj Maharjan fired a long-range shot from the right but Batsaikhan again rose to the occasion to deny goal.
Three Star seemed to garner more possessions in the second half and their relentless efforts finally bore fruits as forward Zikahi Leonce Dodoz managed to bulge Erchim’s net on 90+1 minutes but it was too late to make a difference.
Photo: WSG