Taiwan fails to advance in soccer tournament

Taipei, March 24 (CNA) Taiwan lost to Turkmenistan 2-0 Wednesday in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur to see its dream of making the round of eight in the 2012 Asian Football Federation (AFC) Challenge Cup dashed.

Taiwan suffered its second straight Group B defeat in the 16-team group stage after losing the March 21 opener 3-0 to India.

Avoiding the ignominy of being the only winless team in the group will be the only incentive for Taiwan when it meets Pakistan in its final match scheduled for April 1.

The biennial tournament was established in 2006 by the AFC with the goal of giving countries in the "emerging associations class" -- the lowest of three AFC classes -- more exposure and game experience.

Eight teams -- the winners and runners-up of four four-team groups in the tournament -- will qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 finals.

The other three rounds of 16 groups are being played this week in Myanmar, the Maldives and Nepal.

Taiwan reached the group stage after defeating Laos by an aggregate 6-3 in a home-and-home qualifier in mid-February.

Taiwan's world ranking rose from an all-time low of 180th in April 2009 to its current 147th -- three spots shy of its best-ever ranking of 144th set in August 2006 -- according to the Chinese Taipei Football Association. (By Chris Wang) ENDITEM/J

Taiwan to face Turkmenistan in crucial Asian football match

Taipei, March 22 (CNA) Taiwan's national soccer team will face Turkmenistan Wednesday in Malaysia in a crucial match that could determine whether it advances to the next round of the Asian Football Federation (AFC) Challenge Cup.

After a 3-0 defeat to India in the opening match of the 16-team group stage Monday, Taiwan will need a win over Turkmenistan at MBPJ Stadium in Kuala Lumpur to be reasonably placed to finish in the top two of the group and advance to the round of eight.

The biennial tournament was established in 2006 by the AFC with the goal of giving countries in the "emerging associations class" -- the lowest of three AFC classes -- more exposure and game experience.

Eight teams -- the winner and runner-up of four four-team groups in the tournament -- will qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 Finals.

"Yesterday's outcome was not good but actually we played well. I believe we'll have a shot tomorrow if we take care of our transition game and seize scoring opportunities, " said Taiwan coach Lo Chih-tsun.

Previous Challenge Cup runner-up Turkmenistan joined India at the top of the tough Group B Monday after defeating Pakistan 3-0.

Taiwan reached the group stage after defeating Laos by a combined 6-3 in a home-and-home qualifier in mid-February.

Taiwan's world ranking rose from an all-time low of 180th in April 2009 to the current 147th, three spots shy of its best ever ranking of 144th, set in August 2006, according to the Chinese Taipei Football Association (CTFA).

The other three round of 16 groups are being played this week in Myanmar, Maldives and Nepal.

North Korea beat Turkmenistan in the 2010 finals.

(By Chris Wang)

Enditem/ls