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| AFC Challenge Cup |
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| Turkmen coach tips DPRK for title |
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| Ashgabat coach Rakhim Kurbanmamedov saw his side knocked out of the Turkmenistan Cup. |
ASHGABAT: Turkmenistan coach Rahim Kurbanmamedov believes DPR Korea are hot favourites to win the second edition of the AFC Challenge Cup 2008.
The draw for the competition took place recently in the Indian host city of Hyderabad where Turkmenistan were drawn in Group A with India, neighbours and defending champions Tajikistan, and surprise qualifiers Afghanistan.
DPR Korea were slotted in the relatively easier Group B with Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka, prompting Kurbanmamedov to predict a cakewalk for the Koreans to the knockout stage of the July 30-August 10 tournament.
“The strength of the two groups is not equal,” said the 44-year-old Kurbanmamedov. “We will see a big tussle for the semi-finals from our group.”
“The teams in Group A are of the same level while DPR Korea are likely to qualify for the last four without any real opposition in Group B. I am also not sure if I will be able to field a full strength side with all my foreign players as there is no break in the other leagues during that period.”
Kurbanmamedov was under no illusions about the Koreans’ strength, following their recent 2010 FIFA World Cup Group 3 qualifying experience during which they drew one game and lost another to their East Asian rivals.
“They are a very strong and compact squad and will most likely win the title,” said the Turkmenistan coach who for the time being is focusing on avoiding the wooden spoon in Group 3 of the World Cup qualifying.
“Our immediate priority is the World Cup qualifier against Korea Republic in Ashgabat on June 14,” said Kurbanmamedov.
Turkmenistan are currently at the bottom of Group 3 with one point and have failed to score any goals in the last four games.
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