In a thrilling match, Turkmenistan skipper Berdy Shamuradov Shamuradov gave his team an early second minute lead, providing it with a dim hope of avenging the defeat of the last edition, but missed a penalty four minutes from time. The penalty was awarded to the Turkmenistan after Arslanmyrat was fouled by An Yong Hak in the area.[break]
But in the 87th minute, Amanov Arslanmyrat fouled Korea´s Pak Kwang Ryong in the area and Japanese referee Ryuji Sato awarded the penalty. Substitute Jang Song Hyok converted to take the game away from Turkmenistan.
"We are pleased with Nepali supporters and we were able to equalize following support from massive home crowd. We also had ample of time to hit the equalizer as we had conceded early goal," Korea´s coach Yun Jun Su said after the match.
Turkmenistan coach Yazguly Hojageldiyev expressed dissatisfaction over the penalty awarded to Korea. "I have question on penalty awarded to Korea. However, I have to see the replay," Hojageldiyev said. Regarding the penalty missed by his skipper, he said, "This is football and sometimes popular player miss the opportunity."
Cocahes of both the sides -- Korea´s Yun Jong Su and Turkmenistan´s Hojageldiyev both did not see their players taking penalty. However, Korean coach said that he was confident that his player would score the goal.
Earlier, Turkmenistan had taken the driving seat when Shamuradov made a cool finishing from the area in short pass of Astanov Umidjan following a defensive error from Korean players.
Soon after taking the lead Turkmenistan resorted to defensive play, but could not hold its lead for long and let in the equalizer in 36th minute. Jong Il Gwan´s unstoppable header, in an acute cross from Pak Nam Chol, hit the back of the net .
"Though I was not as emotional as playing in the World Cup, I am happy to qualify for Asian Cup and to become the champion. I thank Nepali fans for their support and football is famous here," said Pak Nam Chol who was declared the man of the match.
In the competitive final, Turkmenistan could not make single dangerous move during the first half other than opening the goal. In the 12th minute, An Yong Hak´s 25-yard freekick went inches wide and Pak Nam Chol chipped above bar from area with only the advancing goalie Alyhanov Rahmanberdi to beat.
Turkmenistan was unlucky in the second half as Arslanmyrat´s freekick from left flank hit the crossbar and went out of play. In the 47th minute, Jang Kuk Chol low long ranger went inches wide from the target. During an hour mark Jon Kwang Ik left flank shot was denied by goalie.
Tukrmenistan coach Hojageldiyev termed the match interesting. "Both the sides created frequent chances and the final was quite interesting. Today was not a lucky day for us."
Philippines finishes third in fierce contest
The Philippines defeated Palestine 4-3 in a high-scoring third-place playoff match held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Monday. In the highly competitive match, Philips James Younghusband scored a brace while siblings Angel Guirado and J Guirado added a goal each for the winning side.
Younghusband gave the Philippines an early lead in the fourth minute and scored his second through penalty in the 25th minute. Abdulhamid FM Abuhabib netted twice in Palestine´s comeback bid while Fahed AF Attal scored another goal. Younghusband received the highest scorer award for his six goals in the tournament.
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