Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bishkek: Anton Zemlianukhin and Mirlan Murzaev each scored as Kyrgyz Republic secured a 2-1 victory over India in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifying campaign on Tuesday, after both teams had earlier guaranteed their progression to next January’s tournament.
After securing qualification with a 5-1 victory over Myanmar on Thursday, the hosts continued their momentum and went in front inside two minutes at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium through Zemlianukhin’s calm finish.
Following a period of sustained pressure in the second half the Central Asians doubled their advantage when Murzaev rounded off a nice move, but Jeje Lalpekhlua’s late strike meant it was India who advanced as table-toppers due to a higher number of goals scored away from home.
The hosts took the lead in the second minute when Zemlianukhin converted Zhyrgalbek Uulu Kairat’s cross from the right to the delight of the vocal home support.
Rowllin Borges curled an excellent free-kick against the post from 25 yards out as the 20-minute mark approached, before Balwant Singh tapped in the rebound only to be flagged for offside.
Singh had the ball in the back of the net once more at the half hour mark but was again unlucky as the referee had blown for an earlier infringement.
Holicharan Narzary’s effort from a distance soon after was comfortably gathered by Kyrgyz Republic goalkeeper Pavel Matiash as India pushed for the equaliser.