AFC Challenge League - Landing Page AR

Goals either side of half-time from Akmyrat Jumanazarov and Suleyman Muhadov had given the Turkmen club a shock 2-0 lead against a Rimyongsu side that had not conceded a goal in the tournament, let alone gone behind in a game.

And even though Ri Kwang-hyok did eventually reduce the deficit on 86 minutes, FC HTTU were able to see out the remaining time to claim the title, and spark wild celebrations on the pitch and in the dugout.

"I am so proud of my team, I call them my friends, my brothers; not my players," said coach Meredov, who successfully ensured the AFC President's Cup remains in Turkmenistan after fellow Yokary Liga side Balkan FT claimed the title in 2013.

"The team showed their real performance today. We didn't play like this in the group stages, we didn't show our real ability. But today this was the real FC HTTU.

"At the beginning of our season I said this was our objective: the AFC President's Cup. We will never forget tonight and we will never forget this tournament."

Rimyongsu coach Jo Tong-sop, meanwhile, conceded that his players were not mentally prepared for the final despite cruising through the group stage with a 5-0 drubbing over FC Erchim in their Group B opener on Monday, before Wednesday's comfortable 4-0 win against Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Limited had secured them a place in the final.

"The players were very nervous ahead of the game today and as a result weren't able to play their best. Unfortunately, we did not properly apply everything we had worked on in training in the final," said the former DPR Korea national team coach, who claimed that the absence of two key players was an obstacle the side could not surmount.

"The match today was definitely a step up in terms of difficulty compared the group stages, but we had expected that to be the case.

"What we struggled with more was that we didn't have Jang Kwang-hyok as a result of injury and Ri Sang-chol due to suspension - they are big players for us.

"I have a learnt a lot from this match, mainly that psychological and physical preparation is key and if that's not 100% right then this kind of result will happen."

The 20-year-old striker scored what turned out to be the winning goal in the 2-1 triumph for the Turkmen club at Sugathadasa Stadium and in doing so took his tally to a hugely impressive six goals in the competition from just three games.

Muhadov had netted all three goals in his side's 3-1 win over Manang Marshyangdi of Nepal in the Group A opener on Monday before hitting a brace on Wednesday in FC HTTU's 2-1 comeback win over hosts Sri Lanka Air Force SC which secured them their place in the final.

The son of former Turkmenistan forward Charyar Muhadov, the youngster was especially delighted at claiming the MVP award, as he walks in familiar footsteps.

"I am always competing with my father and he often jokes with me saying that I'll never be better than him," said Muhadov.

"But now I have all these trophies to show him! It was my objective to be top scorer in the tournament but I didn't expect to earn the MVP award too – it's really like a dream come true for me.

"Although the group stages were difficult, we all spoke together before the final and agreed that if we continued to play like that we wouldn't win the cup. So we had good motivation from the very first minute, worked hard and took care of the result."

However, as FC HTTU coach Rowshen Meredov pointed out, Muhadov's dream almost became a nightmare as he was close to being ruled out of the final with injury.

"Yes, Muhadov was a fitness concern ahead of the final today and early on in the match he actually pulled up with a problem, too, and I was seriously considering substituting him in the first half," said Meredov.

"But I believed in him, he's a special player, so I kept him on the field and he scored a goal – just as he has in every stage of this competition.

"He's still young and if he keeps working hard I truly believe him will end up in one of the top leagues of Asia."

Ri Jin-hyok of Rimyongsu claimed runner-up spot on the scorers' charts with three goals, while team-mates Ri Kwang-hyok, and Pak Song-chol, who also claimed the fair play award, and Kavindu Ishan of Sri Lanka Air Force joint on two goals rounded off the top five.

Jumanazrov's 36th minute header had given FC HTTU the lead as Rowshen Meredov's side looked to keep the title in Turkmenistan after countrymen Balkan FT had won last year's edition of the tournament.

Despite Rimyongsu pressing for an equaliser they were hit on the counter in the 54th minute by Muhadov who notched his tournament-leading sixth goal in just three games. And although the DPR Korea side pulled a late goal back on 86 minutes through defender Ri Kwang-hyok to give them a sliver of hope, FC HTTU were able to hold on for a historic victory.

FC HTTU had begun the championship climax with a trio of fresh faces with Gurbangeldi Batyrov, Azat Shamyradov and Jumanazarov returning to the side after their absence from the starting eleven in Wednesday's Group A decider against hosts Sri Lanka Airforce SC.

Rimyongsu, meanwhile, brought in Kang Won-myong for the suspended Ri Sang-chol and joining him was forward Kim Kyong-il with Jang Kwang-hyok making way.

The DPR Korean club had boasted a flawless record in the group stage, in which they scored nine without conceding to top Group B, but it was FC HTTU who looked intent on imposing themselves on the game from the start and on six minutes Batyrov's in-swinging free-kick from the right-hand side required an alert stop from Rimyongsu goalkeeper Ju Kwang-min.

And there was more penalty area drama 10 minutes later after, as both Ro Hak-su and Hang Song-hyok failed to deal with Batyrov's cross and the defenders were fortunate that the normally clinical Muhadov was unable to capitalise when the ball fell to him six yards out.

Rimyongsu captain Pak Song-chol did then give a reminder of his threat from set-pieces with a free-kick from the left-side of the penalty area that almost caught out FC HTTU custodian Nurgeldy Astanov who belatedly fisted clear.

But with nine minutes of the half remaining, FC HTTU broke the deadlock with a textbook training ground set-piece after Ri Chang-ho needlessly conceded a corner with a wayward backward header.

From the resulting dead-ball, Batyrov played the ball down the line to an on-rushing David Sarkisov whose whipped-in cross fizzed menacingly into the penalty area where it was met by a fine arching header from Jumanazarov that arrowed into the bottom left-hand corner.

After the half-time interval, Ri Hyok went close to drawing Rimyongsu level with a shot as he fell on the edge of penalty area but Astanov was able to get down low to his right and clutch the ball as it threatened to bobble past him.

But with the DPR Korean side intent on attack, they were caught on the counter on 54 minutes as Shamyradov motored down the right flank before zipping in an inviting low cross that bypassed the Rimyongsu defenders and landed at the feet of the on-rushing Muhadov who lifted his shot over the flying Ju and into the bottom right-hand corner.

Just after the hour-mark, Ri Chol-myong then went close to reducing the deficit with a brave header after he challenged Astanov for a high ball, but his headed effort wafted narrowly wide.

And with just four minutes of the tie remaining, Ri Kwang-hyok ensured a frenetic finish as he stabbed home from close-range after a capitalising on a misdirected header by FC HTTU defender Shohrat Soyunov.

However, FC HTTU were able to keep their composure and claim the title their performance had largely deserved, as the final whistle blew to the shrieks of delight from the Turkmen players with an emotional and jubilant Meredov dropping to his knees in celebration.

In both the 2010 and 2012 AFC Challenge Cup finals, the Turkmenistan national team came within minutes of victory against DPR Korea at the tournament's climax, but a penalty shootout and a goal three minutes from time twice denied Meredov's nation a place in the AFC Asian Cup.

And despite having claimed top spot in Group A to advance to the 2014 AFC President's Cup final with consecutive victories over Nepal's Manang Marshyangdi Club and hosts Sri Lanka Air Force SC, the hoodoo the Koreans hold over the Turkmen is one that still weighs heavy on the FC HTTU coach's mind.

"Yes, we have some football history between our two nations, and I hope that this third time we face each other we can break this pattern of defeats, because our aim is to win this cup not just play in the final," said coach Meredov (pictured), who had seen his side share a 1-1 draw with Rimyongsu in the final stage qualifiers in the Philippines in May.

"The match we played each other before was very tough and we both had chances in that game, so I'm expecting another difficult contest with Rimyongsu.

"We are also struggling with several injuries, we have a least five first-choice players with injuries. My medical staff is working hard and two of those players may be fit in time, but we're still not sure. We'll have to see on match day.

"Despite this, though, all the players in my squad are important and I know they will satisfy me with their performances so we'll do our best."

Rimyongsu coach Jo Tong-sop, meanwhile, will find himself in familiar surrounds on Friday, as it was from the same dugout at Colombo's Sugathadasa Stadium that he helmed DPR Korea to their historic 2010 AFC Challenge Cup victory over Turkmenistan.

Adding to the sense of déjà vu is the presence in the Rimyongsu ranks of Ju Kwang-min, Pak Song-chol, Ri Chol-myong and Ri Kwang-hyok who were members of DPR Korea's squad in the 2010 final, and former national team coach Jo is relishing the return to the scene of their triumph.
"Our progress in this tournament has been quite similar to the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup as we also drew 1-1 with Turkmenistan in the group stages in that tournament before facing them in the final which we won," said coach Jo, who saw his Rimyongsu side comfortably top Group B to reach the last-ever AFC President's Cup final after they followed up Monday's 5-0 drubbing of Mongolian champions FC Erchim with a 4-0 victory against Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Limited of Bangladesh on Wednesday.

"We were given a lot more confidence ahead of the final against FC HTTU as a result of our two comfortable victories over Erchim and Sheikh Russel, this really helped to boost the morale and belief of the players.

"We know that the Turkmenistan team is certainly very strong in physical terms, and that's something we'll have to be aware of, but we're feeling very optimistic about Friday's final."

Ri Jin-hyok opened the scoring after 30 minutes for the North Korean club before captain Pak Song-chol netted a sublime free-kick before the half-time break. Ro Hak-su and Kim Kyong-il then added further goals in the second half to give Rimyongsu a second convincing victory of the tournament after they had crushed FC Erchim of Mongolia 5-0 on Monday.

As a result, Rimyongsu top Group B with six points, with Sheikh Russel runners-up a further three behind and Erchim, without a point, bottom of the table.

Rimyongsu will now advance to Friday's final to play the winner of Group A for the right to be named the last-ever AFC President's Cup champion.

"We had a lot of confidence after our first match and this gave us a good base for today's game with the players putting on a similarly pleasing performance," said Rimyongsu coach Jo Tong-sop.

"Pak is very skilful on free-kicks, he practices a lot, and he's always our main set-piece taker. We know if there is any dead-ball within striking distance then he will always be a threat.

"We will now study our possible opponents for the final and work on any potential weaknesses. Both teams have to ensure they are prepared to our maximum for the championship game."

Despite coming into the winner-takes-all tie just 48 hours since they kicked off their opening match, Rimyongsu were the more adventurous side from the start, with Sheikh Russel looking to sit deep and hit target-man Kingsley Chigozie with long balls from the back.

Pak, who had scored a stunning free-kick against Erchim, gave early warning of his threat from set-pieces on 14 minutes with an in-swinging effort from near the left-hand corner flag that forced an athletic save from Sheikh Russel goalkeeper Mamun Khan, clawing the ball away from under his crossbar.

And Khan was called into action just five minutes later, as he pulled off a double save to deny first Ri Sang-chol and then the onrushing Ri Hyok following up on the loose ball.

But on the half-hour mark, Rimyongsu's relentless pressure finally told as Ri Jin-hyok latched onto a low, skimming cross from Ri Chang-ho with a flying header that left Khan helpless for the striker's third goal in two games.

And on the stroke of half-time, Rimyongsu doubled their lead after Rezaul Karim fouled Pak 20-yards out of goal and the skipper dusted himself off before punishing the infringement in the most clinical fashion: a sumptuous strike that flew into the top-right hand corner with Khan rooted to his line.

Rimyongsu made the score line 3-0 just five minutes after the re-start as full-back Ro's smart combination with Ri Sang-chol saw the former played through on goal and he finished confidently past Khan.

Substitute Kim further increased the lead before the hour mark as Karim, wary of his earlier booking, backed off the striker who advanced into the penalty area and, despite stumbling momentarily, was able to slam the ball home for his side's fourth goal of the afternoon.

With Sheikh Russel now facing a mammoth task, and the heat beginning to take its toll on both sides, Rimyongsu were able to comfortably see out the remaining minutes of the match to seal another impressive victory and march on to Friday's final.

"I didn't expect a score line like this; we made a few mistakes and got punished. Rimyongsu are a very strong side and that's why they are going to the final," said Sheikh Russel coach Sheikh Mohammad Zakaria.

"We learnt a lot from this tournament and we will take on board these lessons and we will improve in the future."

Kavindu Ishan had given the hosts a shock lead at Sugathadasa Stadium on 20 minutes but after relentless pressure from FC HTTU, Sri Lanka Air Force goalkeeper Sujan Perera's defiance was ended in the final 10 minutes of the match as Muhadov netted his double in quick succession.

The result means FC HTTU top Group A, ahead of Nepal's Manang Marshyangdi Club who they defeated 3-1 on Monday, and Sri Lanka Air Force who despite taking the lead against both Manang and FC HTTU ended the tournament without picking up a point after two consecutive 2-1 defeats.

"It was a nervous match and we showed a low level of concentration as the players already thought they had one leg in the final, but my guys showed in the second-half that they could lift their level," said FC HTTU coach Rowshen Meredov.

"Sri Lanka Air Force also did a good job and gave us a hard game. We will now look to rest and recover before the final against Rimyongsu – which should be a very difficult game against a strong team."

In the opening period, FC HTTU enjoyed the bulk of possession, but struggled to create any clear-cut chances, comfortable in the knowledge that a draw would be sufficient to win them the group.

However, their lethargy was punished halfway through the first period as Sri Lanka Air Force defender Danushka Welgamagey's long ball downfield found Dimuthu Lakmal on the right-side of the penalty area and his miss-hit shot fell kindly into the path of Ishan who struck the ball over Nurgeldy Astanov for his second goal in as many games.

With three minutes remaining of the half, Muhadov had a golden chance to tie the scores when Muhammed Astanov's chipped ball midway inside the Sri Lanka Air Force half found the 20-year-old through on goal, but his attempted lob over Perera was over-hit and sailed over the crossbar.

Following the half-time interval, though, FC HTTU showed a great deal more urgency and and began to carve out chances at will as Sri Lanka Air Force sat their defensive line even deeper.

After Shohrat Soyunov had headed narrowly over following a corner, Nuryagdy Muhammedov then put through Okan Ersoy but the Turkish midfielder's shot was well saved by Perera who threw himself low to his left to force the ball away.

The Sri Lanka Air Force custodian then repeated the trick with equally impressive stops from Muhadov and Soyunov before second-half substitute Orazberdi Myradov somehow blazed over when Muhadov had teed him up for what should have been a simple finish with the net unguarded.

But FC HTTU were not to be denied and equaliser came from a familiar source as Annasahet Annasahedov clipped in a teasing cross from the left that Muhadov, a hat-trick scorer in the win over Manang, met with a bullet header to leave Perera no chance with eight minutes remaining.

And three minutes later, FC HTTU secured Group A and booked their meeting with Rimyongsu as a long ball up the field from Soyunov found Muhadov racing through the heart of the flat-footed Sri Lanka Air Force defence and the Turkmenistan striker nodded the ball past the onrushing Perera for his second of the day and fifth of the tournament.

"It was very tough match against a good Turkmen team with many strong players. But to see our team take and maintain the lead for over 80 minutes against such a side was very pleasing," said Sri Lanka Air Force coach Sampath Perera, who had strikers Duminda Dinoris and Nipuna Bandara absent from the tie through injuries.

"Our two injured forwards proved very difficult to replace them and that is why we had trouble scoring more than one goal, which we needed.

"I know the capacity and capability of the team, so nevertheless I am happy that the team has performed beyond my expectations in this tournament."

Ri Hyok, Ri Kwang-hyok and Pak Song-chol were also on target to claim a convincing victory for the DPR Korea side while Erchim saw both Erkhembayar Batmunkh and Bilguun Ganbold sent off to cap a dismal afternoon for the Mongolians.

With Erchim having already lost to Bangaldesh's Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Limited in their tournament opener on Saturday, their second consecutive defeat means they are eliminated from the competition, while Rimyongsu will take on Sheikh Russel on Wednesday to decide who advances to Friday's final to face the winners of Group A.

"The first match of any tournament is always the most important so we made a lot of preparation and focused all our efforts on this game," said Rimyongsu coach Jo Tong-sop.

"We prepared strategically, technically and psychologically and I'm very satisfied with my players' performance, they really applied all our preparation in training to this match, which was great to see.

"The Mongolian team seemed very tired after their last game, but we are prepared for the short rest period that we have before our next game."

Erchim coach Vojislav Bralusic had made two changes to the team that lost 1-0 to Sheikh Russel two days previous with Battulga Zorigt and Batbilguun Ganbaatar coming in to bolster the midfield, but it was Rimyongsu who looked the brighter side right from the start.

Erchim goalkeeper Ariunbold Batsaikhan had to be at his best to keep out efforts from both Ri Jin-hyok and Ri Sang-chol early on before the rampant DPR Korea side, almost inevitably, took the lead on 19 minutes.

Ro Hak-su's in-swinging corner kick from the right-hand side found a leaping Ri Jin-hyok at the near post and the forward cleverly directed his head past Batsaikhan.

And Rimyongsu's lead was doubled just two minutes later as Ri Chol-myong found Ri Hyok unmarked in the penalty area with a lofted pass from near the centre circle, and the latter calmly controlled the high ball before steering a composed left-footed shot into the bottom left-hand corner.

The quick one-two punch was a visible body-blow to a game Erchim side, who had worked a brave rearguard action throughout, and midway through the first half the score line became 3-0 as another accurate Ro corner was turned in, this time by Ri Kwang-hyok who ghosted in to head home.

And Rimyongsu's deadly precision from set-pieces continued in the second period as Pak curled in a splendid free-kick from the edge of the area nine minutes after the restart for his team's fourth goal.

Having been booked after conceding the foul that led to Pak's goal, Batmunkh's day got even worse just four minutes later as his foul on Ri Jin-hyok earned him his second yellow card and dismissal on 58 minutes.

Despite Erchim now playing with ten men, Ri Jin-hyok was in no mood for clemency and on the 65th minute the striker had his second and Rimyongu's fifth, as he clinically dispatched Ri Chang-ho's knock-down from close-range.

With Rimyongsu content to see out the remaining minutes there was still time for more misery for Erchim as Bilguun Ganbold saw straight red on 87 minutes for kicking out at Kim Kyong-il as the Mongolian side finished the tie with nine men.

"Before the tournament I said Rimyongsu would be the strongest team in the tournament, and they showed that today," said Erchim coach Bralusic.

"They had better technique, power, and stamina than my guys, but I feel we learnt a lot from this game and it was a good experience for my players who are, after all, in an amateur team.

"We maybe need to work on our character a bit though, I didn't like to see some of the players show a lack of respect and character out there, even though we've come a long way since I took over a year ago, we will need to go home and work a lot."

Muhadov (pictured) had begun the scoring on 26 minutes only to see his opener cancelled out by Sujal Shrestha's equaliser 10 minutes later.

But the clinical FC HTTU frontman then netted his second on 76 minutes shortly before Manang defender Deepak Bhusal received his marching orders. And with a man advantage the Turkmen club then made the points safe as Muhadov scored his third in the closing minutes.

"It was a very hard, tough game. The first game in a competition is always very difficult to adapt to the conditions and it took us a while to get into our rhythm," said FC HTTU coach Rowshen Meredov, whose team will take on Sri Lanka Air Force SC on Wednesday with a place in Friday's final against the winner of Group B still to play for.

"In Muhadov, though, we have a very special player, every player in my team says he's the star, he can make a goal from any position so I always keep him on till the final whistle – but, of course, all my players are important to the team.

"Against Sri Lanka Air Force we won't devise any special tactic or strategy against them, we will just look to rest and recover before then, and we'll aim to play our game."

The appearance of midfielder Sulav Maskey in place of forward Diapak Rai was the only change made by Manang coach Nabin Neupane as he lined up in the more defensive 4-5-1 formation he had hinted at following their 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka Air Force in the Group B opener on Saturday.

As a result, much of the game's early possession was with the Turkmen club with the first 20 minutes high on endeavour but low on opportunities as the two sides contested a tightly fought opening.

The first shot on target did not come till the 23rd minute as Nuryagdy Muhammedov's effort from outside the area was fisted clear by Bishal Shrestha in the Manang goal.

Four minutes later, though, the Manang custodian was picking the ball out of his net as Shohrat Soyunov unlocked the Nepalese offside trap with a ball from the back that found Muhadov racing into the penalty area and cushioning a side-footed shot over a back-pedaling Shrestha who was caught off his line.

A goal to the good, FC HTTU began to look the more likely to add a second, but Sujal Shrestha hauled Manang back on to level terms against the run of play on 34 minutes with a drilled finish from the edge of the penalty area that whistled past Nurgeldy Astanov into the opposite corner.

Following the half-time interval, the tempo of the tie dropped as chances grew scarce few but ultimately it was Muhadov again who proved the x-factor for FC HTTU.

With 13 minutes remaining the striker broke free on the left side of the penalty area before flicking the ball over a committed Bishal Shrestha. And although Muhadov saw his lobbed effort denied on the line by defender Jitendra Karki, the forward's alert follow-up header could not be kept out despite the best efforts of Biraj Maharjan.

And it got worse for Manang as just a minute later Bhusal earned a straight red card for a wild and clumsy challenge on Annasahet Annasahedov.

With FC HTTU now comfortably on top a third goal looked on the cards, and Muhadov delivered on 82 minutes, again assisted by Soyunov, as the 20-year-old latched on to the long ball from the back and finished expertly from just inside the penalty area.

"I'm happy for the performance today as FC HTTU are a strong team," said Manang coach Neupane.

"The second goal was the turning point in the game for us, as we had a lot of pressure after that went in and we struggled to get back into the game."

Although Sheikh Russel were pegged back for long spells in the first half of the Group B opener, Nigerian forward Chigozie (pictured) rose highest on 65 minutes to head home and give the tournament debutants all three points in Colombo.

While FC Erchim had arguably edged the first half, they faded badly in the second period and now must re-group for Monday's meeting with DPR Korea's Rimyongsu Club.
"I am not satisfied with the performance despite the win but that's maybe because of the hot weather it was difficult to play to their full potential," said Sheikh Russel coach Sheikh Mohammad Zakaria, with the Bangladeshi side now due for a three day rest period before continuing their campaign against Rimyongsu on Wednesday.

"I told the players at half-time not to worry about the goalless score line and to play their normal game and the goal would come.

"I am convinced, though, that my team will be able to raise their game for the subsequent fixtures and I am pleased we have begun the tournament with a win."

In a fast opening to the tie, Sheikh Russel forward Jahid Ameli had sounded an early warning of his goal threat after only two minutes with a free kick curled narrowly over from 20 yards out.

And just eight minutes later the same player had the ball in the net, but Ameli had strayed offside before turning in Anower Hossain's cross at the back post.

Thereafter, though, it was Erchim who looked the more convincing going forward with 18-year-old playmaker Tuguldur Munkh-erdene behind much of their good work.

Ostensibly playing as a left-winger, Munkh-erdene cut into the middle at regular intervals, and it was the teenager's dancing feet with eight minutes remaining till the break that gave Erchim their best chance of the half.

First bamboozling his marker on the halfway line, Munkh-erdene then slipped a delicate through ball into the 16-yard area, where Sundorj Janchiv was inches away from connecting until Sheikh Russel custodian Mamun Khan intercepted with a sliding feet-first block.

At half-time, Sheikh Russel coach Zakaria had clearly seen enough and brought on Mohammed Morad to take over the right flank of his backline and quell the dangerous Munkh-erdene.

And the tactical switch paid dividends as the tricky number 10's influence waned considerably following the re-start as Sheikh Russel wrested momentum back and took the lead shortly after the hour mark.

A clumsy challenge by Davaajav Battur on Ameli on the left edge of the penalty area was clinically punished as Mithun Chowdhury's resulting free-kick found the towering form of Chigozie at the back post, and the striker powered his header down past goalkeeper Ariunbold Batsaikhan.

Erchim tried to restore parity but with Munkh-erdene now a shadow of his first-half self the Mongolian club struggled to break down the Sheikh Russel backline.

In fact, their best chance was to come deep into added time from the foot of Bojan Petric as the FC Erchim defender turned Gal-erdene Soyol-erdene's right-wing cross narrowly past his own near-post.

"I think the 1-0 score line does not reflect the true nature of the game because it was very equal between the two sides," said FC Erchim coach Vojislav Bralusic.

"Although yesterday in the press conference I said the weather wouldn't be a problem, but the reality is the heat was a major factor for us.

"In the second half my players really faded and unfortunately they lost concentration on the free kick – when you do that, you get punished."

Kavindu Ishan had put the Sri Lankans in front after just five minutes but Shrestha's goal 10 minutes before half-time saw the sides level at the break.

Captain Gurung then netted the decisive goal for Manang, who last qualified for the finals of the tournament in 2006, when he coolly converted a 61st minute penalty and got the Nepalese club off to winning ways ahead of their second group stage game against Turkmen side FC HTTU on Monday.

"In the first half there was a lot of pressure as they went ahead early. But once we got our equaliser we were able to find our natural rhythm and dominate the game," said Manang coach Nabin Neupane.

"As we played with five midfielders, we were able to pack the middle and dominate ball possession.

"In our next match, however, we will look to instead play on the counter-attack, as FC HTTU are physical and strong."

The hosts had got off to the ideal start after just five minutes, though, as Ishan raced on to a long kick downfield from goalkeeper Sujan Perera and the 21-year-old fired across Bishal Shrestha who was unable to stop the powerful shot despite getting a hand to the ball.

But Manang almost found a swift response as Zikhai Dodoz raced on to Stephen Mbile's lofted pass but he saw his angled drive pushed away by Perera with 10 minutes played.

The Nepalese side continued to press for an equaliser with Sri Lanka Air Force content to sit back and try to hit back on the counter, although they struggled to create further chances.

Instead it was Perera who was far the busier custodian and he again denied Dodoz shortly before the half hour mark, this time facing down the onrushing Ivorian forward and standing tall to bat away his shot.

Manang were not to be denied, though, and the leveler arrived with ten minutes of the half remaining.

Shiva Shrestha's one-two with Dodoz put the Nepalese midfielder through on goal and although his dinked effort beat Perera but not the crossbar, the rebound fell kindly for him and he rolled the ball into the empty net.

Following the re-start, however, it was Sri Lanka Air Force that went close to re-taking the lead, as Ishan's mis-hit cross seven minutes into the second half almost crept in at the far post, only to clip the woodwork and roll to safety.

Ishan it was who continued to look the host's best chance of scoring, and the Sri Lanka U-23 vice-captain was denied inside the 16-yard-area again, this time by Bishal Shrestha who scrambled the ball clear at the feet of the young Sri Lanka Air Force forward.

But against the run of play it was Manang who went in front shortly after the hour mark as Dodoz was brought down inside the area by Perera and Gurung fired the resulting penalty low into the bottom left-hand corner.
With the comeback complete, and Ishan beginning to tire and visibly suffering from cramp, Sri Lanka Air Force saw their control of the tie wrested away; despite their best attempts to restore parity, and it was Manang who finished on top.

"Despite the defeat, I am happy with the players' performances because they worked hard and did their best," said Sri Lanka Air Force coach Sampath Perera, who pinpointed the absence of the suspended Janaka Chaminda as a major factor for the defeat.

"We were lacking the midfield link that Chaminda normally provides us. His replacement tried hard but the reality is we were missing one of our really key players.
"I will watch FC HTTU in their game on 22nd of September and see if I need to come up with some new strategies and tactics for our next match."