DPR Korea beat India 4-0


By Upender Singh,
AIFF Media Team 
KATHMANDU: India ended their campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup when they went down to strong contenders DPR Korea 0-4 in their last league encounter at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu. DPR, who won all their three matches, top Group B and move into the semis with 9 points. 

Even prior to the kick-off, DPR stayed overwhelming favorites. Leave aside their superior FIFA ranking, they boasted of 7 World Cuppers who had represented their country in the 2010 World Cup. 

DPR never allowed India to settle down. The midfield couldn’t match the rival’s pace and defensive lapses cost India dear. The only chance for India came in the 39th minute. But skipper Sunil Chhetri’s left-footer, after being fed by Francis Fernandes, missed the target. 

DPR surged ahead as early as the 4th minute when Jon Kwang Ik capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home. Ri Kwang Hyok doubled the lead in the 34th minute.

Changing over, the story didn’t change. Coach Savio Medeira did introduce fresh legs but even that didn’t help. Pak Nam Chol  and Ri Chol Myong completed the rout in the 58th & 70th  minute respectively.

In another Group B match Philippines defeated Tajikistan (2-1) to qualify for the Semis as the second team from the Group.

Philippines now face Group A winner Turkmenistan in the first semifinal while Group B winner DPR Korea would face Palestine in the other semifinal. The matches would be played on March 16th, 2012.

Playing XI: Subhasis Roychowdhury; Nirmal Chhetri, Gourmangi Singh, Raju Gaikwad, Syed Rahim Nabi; Anthony Pereira, Rocus Lamare, Jewel Raja (Lenny Rodrigues – 61st), Reisangmi Vashum (Francis Fernandes – 23rd); Sunil Chhetri (C) (CS Sabeeth – 66th), Sushil Singh.


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