Sk Russel go down fighting
Sheikh Russel KC's miserable domestic run extended to the international level as they were eliminated from the AFC Cup Play-off Qualifiers after suffering a 3-4 defeat to Bhutanese side FC Tertons at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu yesterday.
Sheikh Russel, who went to take part in the qualifiers after suffering five defeats from six league matches in the domestic circuit, could not change their fortunes at the international level despite strengthening their lineup with the inclusion of four guest players.
Even with the country's two best centre-backs, Nasir Chowdhury and Yeasin Khan, the backline was painfully at fault for three of the four goals that Russel conceded.
Their defenders were unable to restrict Bhutan's national team forward Chencho Gyeltshen, who scored a brace in between the second and third strikes from Tenzin Dorji and Tshening Wangdi respectively.
After conceding, Sheikh Russel immediately staged a strong comeback with Jean Jules Ikanga heading home a Jamal Bhuiyan free-kick home to level the margin in 20th minute. However, they went on the backfoot again, conceding three more goals before the break.
After resumption, substitute Shakhawat Hossain Rony and Ikanga struck two goals in the 66th and 70th minutes respectively but they ultimately could finally not avoid defeat.
The result saw Sheikh Russel finishing at the bottom of the three-team table with one point, three points behind leaders Tertons FC while Tutang FC finished in second place with two draws.
Comments