DUSHANBE, June 30, 2011, Asia-Plus – On June 29, Afghanistan''s national soccer team lost to Palestine 2-0 in Asian Zone qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in a game played in Tajikistan for security reasons, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reports.
It was a home game for Afghanistan but had to be played in the southwestern Tajik town of Tursunzoda because of poor security in Afghanistan. There were few Afghans in the crowd, but the stadium was filled with thousands of Tajik football fans.
Murad Alyan opened the scoring for Palestine in the 28th minute. In the second half, Palestine failed to convert a penalty shot that was stopped by Afghan goalkeeper Hamidullah Yousufzai.
Palestine secured the win with a late goal by Ismail Alamour (89th minute).
The second leg of the qualifier will be played in the Palestinian territories on July 3. Afghanistan must win by at least two goals to advance to the second round of the Asian Zone qualifying and a matchup against Thailand.
Afghan coach Yusuf Korgar said the fact his team has to play its home games in foreign countries is proof that Afghan football players do not have the appropriate conditions to train and prepare.
In other Asian Zone qualifying games yesterday, Bangladesh beat Pakistan 3-0 at home.
Green and resilient urbanization key for quality growth in Tajikistan, says ADB
President Emomali Rahmon meets with Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin
President Emomali Rahmon meets with Pontiff
Only twenty-eight acquittals passed in Tajikistan over the past five years
Central Asia’s nations urged to take the lead in fostering regional free trade
Germany charges five Tajiks with terrorism
15 Tajik women and their 32 children returned back to Tajikistan yesterday
Tajik leader meets with FAO director-general in Rome to discuss cooperation
Islamic banking and finance is emerging in CIS member nations
Emomali Rahmon holds meeting with Tajiks living in Italy
All news