2014 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers: Turkmenistan thrashes Cambodia to take control of Group E

In the opening game of Group E in the 2014 Challenge Cup Qualifiers, Turkmenistan showed they were in an entirely different class from Cambodia, as they thrashed them 7-0 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Friday.

[Related: 3-0 wins awarded to PHL, other Group E teams on Brunei default]

The Philippines’ rivals in the group had a totally contrasting start, as Turkmenistan put themselves in prime contention for reaching the final stage in the Challenge Cup, with Cambodia now effectively out.

In the only other two meetings between the nation, Turkmenistan had won 4-1 and 1-0 in World Cup qualifying back in 2007 and Cambodia did little to prove pre-match predictions wrong, sinking to their sixth straight loss since drawing the Philippines back in September last year.

Turkmenistan, meanwhile, has now recorded their third straight win since losing to North Korea in the 2012 Challenge Cup Final.

Seventh heaven for Turkmenistan

Arslanmyrat Amanow opened the scoring in the eighth minute as he cut in onto his right foot and shot at goal, Sou Yaty coming up with the save for Cambodia, but it was a sign of things to come. After threatening several times, in which Yaty pulled off a couple of saves from identical positions, including knocking a Berdimyrat ?amyradow shot onto the post, Wladimir Baýramow scored a brace to put Turkmenistan well in control of the game.

First, he glanced a header into the back of the net from a corner in the 24th minute. Then the Turkmen captain was the first to react as Yaty palmed away a shot from Amanow towards his path and Baýramow tapped the ball into the top corner in the 36th minute.

Om Thavrak made things worse for Cambodia, turning the ball into his own net in the 42nd minute as Turkmenistan took a 4-0 lead into halftime.

After the break, the game slowed down dramatically. Yaty made another good save, tipping the ball over at the beginning of the half before both teams seemed settled in the scoreline with the games played at a walking pace at times.

Things finally came to life in the 74th minute as Berdy Shamuradov headed in a cross from the right on the counterattack, with the Cambodian defense nowhere to be found, before substitute Abylov Guvanch added a sixth in the 81st minute as a through ball split the Camdoian defense and Guvanch slotted the ball beyond Yaty with his first touch.

After spurning two clear opportunities and smashing the ball onto the post, Turkmenistan made it seven in the 87th minute via, Batyrov Gurbangeldi as he latched onto another chipped through ball, walked through the defense and clipped the ball beyond the goalkeeper to complete the rout.

Impressive Turkmenistan

The 7-0 victory for Turkmenistan is the second highest win of this year’s qualification stage, after Palestine demolished the Northern Mariana Islands 9-0 in Group D, which is also the largest win in Challenge Cup Qualification history.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this win is the fact that Turkmenistan scored seven at a canter, and the Turkmen side the Philippines face on Tuesday will be far more determined and ruthless. Without even hitting top gear, Turkmenistan have beaten the nation the Philippines used to compete with for the title of the best of the minnows in South East Asia.

Turkmenistan has proven that they are the top seeds here with a dominant victory, which all but guarantees their progression to the final stage, barring a loss to the Philippines by five goals.

What it means for the Philippines

The Philippines, however, have arguably their best line-up ever, with the addition of Javier Patino joining the other European based Azkals to bolster the attack, forming a complete line-up for the first time in recent memory.

If anyone can stop Turkmenistan winning their first Challenge Cup it may well be the Philippines, a prospect, which could exact revenge on the side that knocked the Philippines out of the Challenge Cup semifinals last time around.

The huge goal difference Turkmenistan have now though, will be difficult to beat. However the Philippines know that any two wins against Cambodia and Turkmenistan would see the Philippines qualify as group winners. While victory over Cambodia, followed up with a draw against Turkmenistan will guarantee qualification with seven points in the group as one of the two best runners-up.

The Philippines will face the demoralized Cambodian side on Sunday, March 24, before facing Turkmenistan on Tuesday, March 26, in the all-deciding final group game. - AMD, GMA News