Turkmenistan scored two goals within the last 10 minutes to register a 2-1 comeback win over the Philippines, and DPR Korea defeated Palestine 2-0 with both goals coming from Pak Kwang Ryong in either half.
The final on Monday, will be the replay of last edition´s final in which Korea defeated Turkmenistan 5-4 in penalty shootout following 1-1 stalemate in the regulation and extra time.
Philippines goalie sent off.
In the day´s first semifinal, Amanov Arslanmyrat scored in the 80th minute to cancel the first-half Philippines lead and Gahryman Chonkayev ensured the victory for Turkmenistan four minutes from time. Troubles for Philippines continued as the team was reduced to 10-men during the stoppage time of second half.
Arslanmyrat scored the equalizer for Turkmenistan when he unleashed a powerful low shot from 25-yard to send the ball past diving custodian Neil Leonard Etheridge, who was sent off in the second minute of stoppage time. South Korean referee Ko Hyung Jin showed him the red card after he kicked Chonkayev during off the ball incident.
Chonkayev sealed the victory for Turkmenistan with breathtaking display of skills, beating three defenders in area and sending the ball past goalie.
Earlier, the Philippines took the lead through Philip James Younghusband in the first half sending nearly a thousand of its noisy supporters into a frenzy, and taking his goal tally in the tournament to four.
Turkmenistan vs Philippines
Custodian Rahmanberdi also denied two other attacks of Philippines striker Emelio Caligdong in the 33rd and 34th minute. The Philippines could have made 2-0 in the 66th minute had Jason Nicolas De Jong tapped wide from the six-yard box. In the 75th minute, unmarked Moy´s powerful strike from the area was claverly denied by goalie Rahmanberdi.
Turkmenistan was unlucky not to equalize in the 29th minute as Chonkayev´s powerful strike from area rebounded off the bar. In the 42nd minute Chonkayev´s again failed to score from close range with only the Philippines goalie Etheridge to beat.
Philippines had missed the services of two influential midfielders James Younghusband and Angel Guirado due to their suspension.
DPR Korea (White) vs Palestine
´´I asked the boys to concentrate more and put up better performance during the interval and they did it,´´ said Hojageldiyev Yazguly, Turkmenistan coach during post match conference. ´´It was a challenging match against strong opponent and we are happy to qualify for the final.´´
Philippines German coach Hans Michael Weiss termed the result disappointing. Weiss, however was satisfied with his team´s overall performance. ´´Despite the absence of some key players the performance was satisfactory. Both sides created many chances.´´
´´The team represented the Philippines very well and we improved in every other match," Weiss said.
Korean players celebrate goal.
In the day´s second match played under floodlight, Pak Kwang Ryong scored both the goals for holders Korea in its victory over Palestine. Korea broke the deadlock three minutes before interval as Pak Kwang Ryong took a quick shot from the six-yard box.
Pak Kwang Ryong doubled score in the 68th minute, capitalizing on an error of Palestine defender Husam Abusala who had back passed the ball. Pak Kwang Ryong intercepted the ball, dribbled past the advancing goalie Ramzi A Saleh and rolled it into the empty net.
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