Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kathmandu: 2011 AFC President’s Cup winners Taiwan Power failed to progress to the finals of the 2013 tournament after being held 2-2 draw with already-qualified Three Star Club as the Chinese Taipei champions recorded their third successive draw on Saturday.
Erchim’s 1-0 victory over Abahani Limited in the earlier match at the Dashrath Stadium ensured Three Star’s place in September’s finals and if the Nepalese champions could avoid defeat against Taiwan Power Company, who defeated compatriots Nepal Police Club at the same venue in the group stage of the 2011 AFC President’s Cup, then Erchim would become the first side from Mongolia to advance.
Things were looking good for the Mongolian champions as Three Star went two goals inside the first 15 minutes, with Cote d’Ivoire striker Zikahi Dodoz, scorer of the opener in the 2-0 win over Erchim two days ago, breaking the deadlock after just seven minutes before Prakash Budhathoki doubled Three Star’s advantage on the quarter-of-the-hour mark when he fired home from outside the box after keeper Lu Kun-chi had blocked Femi Adewuni’s initial shot.
But the experienced East Asians battled back admirably and after skipper Kuo Yin-hung reduced the deficit five minutes later fellow midfielder Hung Kai-chun levelled the contest one minute into first-half stoppage time.
It was a nerve-wracking 45 minutes for Erchim but despite their best efforts could not find the victory they needed to join Three Star in the finals as the Nepal champions returned the favour to the Mongolians, whose win over Abahani ensured progress for Three Star.