Sk Russel keep alive its final hope

FE Team | Published: September 21, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Former Bangladesh champions Sheikh Russel KC brightened its possibility to play the final of the AFC President's Cup beating Erchim FC of Mongolia by 1-0 goal in a Group B match of the final round opener at the Sugathadasa Stadium in 0Colombo, Sri Lanka Saturday, reports UNB.
After a barren first half, Nigerian forward Kingsley Chigozie scored the match-winning goal for Russell KC by a spectacular header in the 65th minute.
The day's other fixture, Air Force SC of hosts Sri Lanka was due to play Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal at the same venue.
Bangladeshi side now due for a three-day rest period before continuing their campaign against Rimyongsu Club of DRP Korea on Wednesday (Sept 24) at 1 pm while Sri Lanka Air Force SC will face FC HTTU of Turkmenistan at 4:00 pm on the day at the same venue.
Although Sheikh Russel was pegged back for long spell in the first half of the day's Group B opener, Nigerian forward Chigozie rose highest on 65 minutes to head home and give the tournament debutants all three points in Colombo.
FC Erchim had arguably edged the first-half, they faded badly in the second period and now must regroup 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, according to official website of AFC.
"I advised the players at half-time not to be worried about the goalless score line and to play their usual game and the goal would come" Russel coach further said.
"I'm convinced, though, that my team will be able to raise their game for the subsequent fixtures and I'm happy as we've initiated the tournament with a win." he added
Sheikh Russel forward Jahid Hasan Ameli earlier had hinted over 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 more convincing moving 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 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.
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.