Kyrgyzstan inch closer to final

Kyrgyzstan started the proceedings on a positive note today and began testing the Bangla defence from the word go. However, the raids looked more potent largely due to a lacklustre and uninspired performance from Bangladesh.

The shortest player in the Kyrgyzstan team, striker Lut Falliev, opened the scoring when Vadim Harchenko crossed from the left flank with defenders Mohammad Waly Faisal and Mohammad Abul Hussain looking on as mere spectators. Falliev made no mistake in putting it past Bangladesh custodian Biplab Bhattachajee in the 29th minute.

Bangladesh got an opportunity to break even when their inspirational midfielder Mohammad Zahid Hussian sent in a scorching long ranger from 25 yards, but it missed the right post by a few inches.

They could have still got an unlikely equaliser, but two goals at the start of the second half ensured that Syed Nayeemuddin8217;s men would return home without a win under their belt. Falliev struck again in the 53rd minute and this was a mirror image of the first one, again a header off a precision center from Vadim Harchenko.

The third goal came three minutes later when an attempted centre from the left flank by Vadim was deflected off a Bangladesh defender and Ruslan Djamshidov was at the right place to find the target on the turn.

Incidentally the Ambedkar Stadium was the venue for Syed Nayeemuddin8217;s last match as India coach when they infamously lost 0-3 to Yemen, and the veteran will not carry home better memories in his first stint as a foreign coach.

Bangladesh just managed a solitary point in four outings at the meet. Nayeemuddin said his team, with a little more luck, could have had better results to show. He blamed the scheduling of matches for his early exit from the tournament. 8220;If you play four matches in six days under such conditions, it is difficult. Our boys had no energy left, but they put up a good fight against a better-prepared and better-equipped side. So I will carry a few positives from the tournament,8221; he added.

His counterpart Nematjan Zakirov, on the other hand, had reasons to be happy. 8220;We needed a big win today and the boys responded well. I am happy with the display,8221; he said. He is ready with his plan for India, but naturally preferred to keep his cards close to his chest.

8220;India are a good side, but we have noticed some chinks in their armour. But that will be a surprise package. But to keep it simple, we have to beat them on Sunday. It will be tough but we are ready,8221; he added.

Syria take on Cambodia in their last league encounter tomorrow.