ACC 2014: Maldives 2 - 0 Kyrgyzstan

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Kyrgyzstan 0-2 Maldives

Male', MALDIVES; Host Maldives who lost their fist game to Myanmar has beaten Kyrgyzstan 2 - 0 to light up a chance in the semi final of the AFC Challenge Cup 2014. Ali Ashfaq scored the two important goals for home side to take themselves to the second place of Group-A with one match remaining.

Rilwan delivered a good high ball to Ashfaq in the ninth minute of the game, Ashfaq was all alone inside the penalty area but keeper came out and saved the ball.

Seven minutes later Tetteh tried with a header from inside the penalty area from right flank free kick but he missed the target and ball went over the crossbar.

Maka Kum's cross from left flank turned in dangerously in to Maldives penalty area but Shafy cleared the ball with a timely tackle in the 23rd minute.

Four minutes later Bokury could have taken Maldives to lead, Ashfaq delivered a good cross in to the penalty area found unmarked Bokury but his Bokury's header went over the crossbar.

Ashfaq penetrated Kyrgyzstan defense line and fired a powerful shot from edge of the penalty area but Matiash dived and saved the ball from left bottom corner.

Ten minutes in to the second half Ashfaq tested another long range shot from outside the penalty area but it was not enough to beat the keeper.

In the 59th minute Maldives was awarded with a penalty kick when Ashfaq was brought down inside the penalty area by Kichin. Kichin was sent off for the offense with a direct red card.

Ashfaq initiated and took the penalty kick but and it hit the right post and bounced back to play. Ashfaq made no mistake to score from the rebounded ball and bring joy to the home stadium.

Twenty minutes remaining in the clock Ashfaq doubled the lead for Maldives from a half chance. Ashfaq sprint past in to the penalty area and dropped the ball in to the goal in a 50-50 clash with goalkeeper.

In the 74th minute Kyrgyzstan wasted an open chance, Harchenko who was unmarked inside the penalty area took a shot from inside the penalty area but it went direct in to Imran's hand.

Substitute player Bonda went very close to extend the lead for Maldives in the 86th minute. Fasir delivered a good through pass in to penalty area but Bonda's shot went inches away from the far post.

With this win Maldives is now on second place of the Group-A with 3 points from two games. Palestine who won their 2 game is leading the table while Myanmar follows Maldives with 3 points. Kyrgyzstan who lost their two matches lies in bottom of the table.

In the next game of AFC Challenge Cup 2014 in Group-B, Laos will show up against Philippines tomorrow evening at Addu Football Stadium.