Cox’s Bazar: Tajikistan smartly reach the final of the six-nation 5th Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football Tournament eliminating the Philippines by 2-0 goals in the first semifinal in a rain-soaked 12,000-capacity Birshrestha  Ruhul Amin Stadium here on Tuesday.

They will play final on Friday (Oct 12) at 6:30 pm at the country’s premier sports venue—Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka—against the winners of Palestine and hosts Bangladesh, who meet each other in the 2nd semifinal on Wednesday (Oct 10) at 2:30 pm at the Birshrestha  Ruhul Amin Stadium in Cox’s Bazar, reports the UNB.

In the day’s first semis, forward Tursunov Kamron put Tajikistan ahead in the 32nd minute by a good volley shot (1-0) while Nazrov Akhtam sealed the fate of the match scoring the 2nd goal for Tajikistan in the 8th minute of the stoppage time (98th minute), also by a brilliant shot (2-0).

Tajikistan earned the deserving victory playing a good brand of football all through dominating over the Philippines for most of the proceedings. However, the beauty of the match was marred due to muddy and slippery ground following rain.

From very beginning, Tajikistan took the control of the match and maintained it most of the first half and took its fruit in the 32nd minute to a take 1-0 lead.

After the conceding goal, the Philippines reorganized themselves and the match became exciting one with attacks and counter attacks till the minute of the first half, where Philippines spoiled two good opportunities.

Tajikistan again got rhythm in the last few minutes of the match and doubled the margin in the 8th minute of the stoppage time.

Palestine clinched the Group A title to reach the semis with all-win record beating Tajikistan 2-0 and holders Nepal 1-0 while the Philippines emerged Group B champions also with all win-run beating Laos 3-1 and Bangladesh 1-0.

Bangladesh managed a berth in the last four stage beating Laos 1-0 after conceding 0-1 defeat against the Philippines while Tajikistan also managed semifinal berth beating Nepal 2-0 and after suffering 0-2 defeat against favourite Palestine.