KARACHI, April 4: Odil Irgashev was the star performer as Tajikistan defeated luckless Pakistan 2-0 on Tuesday in Group D match of inaugural AFC Challenge Cup at the Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Stadium. Both the goals emerged in the first session in the first-ever international meet between two nations. Pakistan was luckless as they were denied a certain goal by Chinese referee, Hai Tan.

Striker Mohammad Essa found the cage in the 45th minute but it was disallowed for handball infringement by midfielder Abdul Aziz, who had square-passed the ball.

Tajik hero Odil scored one and created other for Numondzhon Hakimov as Tajikistan took giant step towards quarterfinals.

Tajikistan stayed top of the Group-D with maximum six points after two rounds but have to wait to know their fate till the last match against their central Asian neighbours Kyrgyzstan on Thursday.

Pakistan must beat Macau in their third match on the same day.

Pakistan, who have three points from their 1-0 win over Kyrgyzstan, began brightly but a defensive lapse saw them concede the lead after 14 minutes against run of play.

The two Pakistan stoppers hesitated to clear what looked like a harmless low cross by Odil from the right and Hakimov, unmarked on the edge of the penalty area, had no difficulty to steer the ball past goalkeeper Jaffer Khan.

Hai Tan awarded a penalty to Tajikistan four minutes later when Dzhomikhon Mukhidinov was brought down by midfielder Zahid Hameed and Irgashev made no mistake from the spot.

The South Asians did not lose their heart in the second half but efforts by Aziz and Asif Ayub were spectacularly saved by rival custodian Aslidin Khabibulloev.

Meanwhile, a goal by Chandradasa Galbodapayagalage helped Sri Lanka overcome Bhutan 1-0.

The second consecutive win almost secured them a place in the last eight from Group B.—Agencies