September 29, 2007	Saturday	Ramazan 16, 1428

LAHORE, Sept 28: Defending champions Dordoi-Dynamo of Kyrgyzstan went through to the final of the 3rd AFC President Cup football for the third consecutive time after beating Sri Lanka’s Ratnam Sports Club on penalty-shootout by 4-3 in the nail-biting second semi-final at the Punjab Stadium on Friday night.

At the end of the regulation time, the score was 1-1. The extra time of 30 minute also failed to separate the two sides as the pre-final decided on penalty shoot. The reigning champions cashed in on four attempts against the spirited rivals, who converted three.

Dordoi struck through Igor Kudrenko, Roman Kornilov, Ruslan Sydykov and Azamat Ishenbaev while Vadim Harchenko saw his attempt was saved by Ratnam’s keeper Dammika. Ratnam replied through Chathura, Channa and Izzadeen while Tharusa and Maduranga were off the target.

Dordoi-Dynamo now will take on Mahendra Police Club, Nepal in the Sunday’s final (8.30 PM ).

Dordoi started the proceedings without Roman Kornilov, who destroyed Tatung’s defence on Tuesday with four spectacular goals, and last edition’s hero Ildar Amirov.

Defender Maduranga Akila Dilshan Wewage led Ratnam following the suspension of Mohamed Rawme Mohideen.

Dordoi’s opened the account first when midfielder David Tetteh landed the opener in the 21st minute when he rose above everybody to meet the left wing corner from Valery Berezovsky and his fierce downward header proved too good for Ratnam’s keeper Dammika.

The winners could have increased the lead in the 26th and 38th minute but missed the chances. Ratnam drew leveller just one minute before the end of the first half through Kasun Jayasuriya, who cashed in on a right-flank free kick taken by midfielder Chathura as put the ball in the cage with a fine header.

Later both teams missed many chances in the second half too, to enter the extra time.