AKIPRESS.COM - Kyrgyzstan missed out on a return to the semi-finals of the AFC Challenge Cup for only a second time despite Vladimir Verevkin’s first half strike securing a 1-0 win over Myanmar at a sodden Hithadhoo Stadium on Friday.

Verevkin’s first-time finish after 18 minutes of the final Group A fixture was enough to hand Kyrgyzstan a first win of the campaign, but with the Maldives sharing a goalless draw with Palestine at the National Stadium, Sergey Dvoryankov’s side were forced to settle for third place after finishing a point behind the tournament hosts.

And Myanmar also missed out on a place in the semi-finals for the third time in the last four tournaments after a second defeat of the campaign saw Raddy Avramovic’s side finish fourth also a point off the pace.

“We needed to win by four clear goals and everybody knew about it and was aware of it. But unfortunately we could not score more. At the same time, we were also dependent on the other game where Palestine needed to win for us, but that was a draw. But overall, I am happy with the performance,” said Kyrgyzstan coach Dvoryankov who had seen his side lose to both Palestine and the Maldives earlier this week.

Despite losing their opening two games, Kyrgyzstan made a bright start needing to win to stand a chance of qualifying and only a smart one-handed save from Myanmar goalkeeper Thiha Si Thu denied Anatolii Vlasichev after three minutes before Verevkin flashed a header just wide.

And even though their opponents came into the contest as the half progressed, it was Kyrgyzstan who opened the scoring after 18 minutes as Verevkin raced in behind the Myanmar backline, and after being allowed time to steady himself, the striker fired a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Thiha Si Thu from just inside the penalty area.

“It was a hard game for both teams. Kyrgyzstan were luckier because I don’t think we deserved to lose as we created enough chances to at least draw, and that has cost us a place in the semi-finals,” said Myanmar coach Avramovic, who saw his side open their campaign with a win over the Maldives before losing to Palestine.