It was the biggest defeat suffered by a Nepali club in the tournament of third-tier league champions of AFC members since the competition began in 2005. Earlier, Dordoi Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan had thrashed Nepal Police Club 5-1 during the last edition held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Three Star is participating in the competition for the first time after the inaugural edition in 2005, when it reached the semifinals. Three Star will now take on Erchim FC of Mongolia in its last group match on Wednesday. The group winner will secure berth in the final.
Balkan, the league champion of Turkmenistan, put Nepali league champion Three Star under pressure from the beginning and was 2-0 up by the interval. It added four more goals in the second half to seal a comprehensive victory.
Three Star coach Pradip Humagain blamed inadequate preparation for the defeat. Three Star had prepared for less than a week before leaving for Malaysia to compete in the tournament.
Players of Laxmi Bank Three Star Club pose for a photo ahead of their AFC President’s Cup match against Balkan of Turkmenistan at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka in Malaysia on Monday.
Balkan took the lead in the 22nd minute of the match through a Tkachenko Yevgeniy strike from the six-yard box. Skipper Karadanov Mamedaly doubled the advantage two minutes later when he headed home in Tkachenko Yevgeny’s long throw.
Three Star failed to come up with an improved show in the second half as well. Saparov Mekan headed the third goal in the 59th minute after he was set up by Shermetov Rahmet in a Yevgeniy corner. Substitute Rahmet made it 4-0 five minutes later with a skilful display as he dribbled past Three Star defenders and custodian Kiran Chemjong before firing home.
Gurabani Amir easily converted a penalty in the 78th to add to Three Star’s woes. Referee Muhammad Jahari of Singapore had awarded the penalty after defender Saroj Dahal fouled a Balkan player in the danger zone.
Another substitute Chonkayev Gahryman wrapped up the huge victory four minutes from time. Three Star custodian Chemjong could only watch helplessly as Gahryman fired home a spectacular shot from outside from the area.
Balkan coach Rahim Kurbanmamedov said the first half was competitive but his side came up with a better performance after the interval.
In another Group B match played at the same venue, KRL Football Club of Pakistan stunned Dordoi of Kyrgyzstan 1-0. Forward Kaleemullah scored the winner in the 76th minute for KRL to stun two-time champion Dordoi.
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