Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bishkek: A 71st minute header from Azamat Baimatov earned the Kyrgyz Republic a 1-0 win over Macau in Tuesday’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying opener as the Central Asians joined India as early pacesetters in Group A.
The home side enjoyed the better of the chances at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium and finally broke the deadlock with 19 minutes remaining as Baimatov headed high into the roof of the net from the edge of the six-yard area after meeting at deep free-kick played into the penalty area at the back post.
And with India snatching a 1-0 win over Myanmar in Yangon, the pair lead the way after the opening game of the qualifiers for the 2019 tournament in the United Arab Emirates.
The home side made a positive start to the contest and created their first chance after just seven minutes as Mirlan Murzaev was denied by Macau goalkeeper Ho Man Fai.
Five minutes later, though, Macau also created an opportunity through Leong Ka Hang, while at the other end, Islam Shamshiev failed to find the target for the Kyrgyz Republic after 14 minutes.
And it was the home side who finished the half on top as Baimatov saw his effort saved by Ho in the Macau goal to keep the scores level at half-time.
Ho was again called into action ten minutes into the second half to deny Edgar Bernhardt.
But the Macau goalkeeper was left exposed after 71 minutes as Baimatov’s header gave the visiting custodian no chance.
Macau, though, remained positive and Edgar Teixeira fired just wide for the visitors.
Ho again kept Macau in the contest with a minute remaining with a save from Bernhardt, before opposite number Pavel Matiash made a heroic stoppage time block to deny Cheong Kin Chong.