Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kathmandu: It has been little over two years since Turkmenistan coach Yazguly Hojageldiyev witnessed DPR Korea defeat his side to lift the AFC Challenge Cup trophy in Sri Lanka and the 35-year-old is looking for a reversal of fortune as the meet again in the 2012 final.
Back in 2010 Turkmenistan looked to be in the driving seat at Sugathadasa Stadium after DPR Korea defender Ryang Myong-il was sent-off in the first half and Berdy Shamuradov took less than a minute to take advantage with a 33rd minute opener.
But after weathering DPR Korea's strong start with a physical defensive display, MVP Ryang Yong-gi eventually broke through with his fourth of the tournament with 14 minutes remaining to hand his side a deserved equaliser.
And after extra-time failed to separate the sides with the score deadlocked at 1-1 after 120 minutes, Turkmenistan's 2012 Challenge Cup star Arslanmyrat Amanov saw his penalty saved by goalkeeper Ju Kwang-min in sudden death to hand DPR Korea a 5-4 win and a place at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.
"We lost on penalties in the last Challenge Cup final so whether it is in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties we will fight hard to achieve victory," said a relaxed Hojageldiyev at Sunday's pre-final press conference.
"A lot has changed in two years, with our team and the DPR Korea team, but if I compare the two sides I can see that our opponents' style has changed.
"We have prepared well for this match and we will do everything we can to win."