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Dubai: India took a decisive step towards qualifying to the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar by setting up a semifinal clash against Myanmar in the AFC Challenge Cup being held in Hyderabad, India.
India topped Group A with seven points following wins against Afghanistan (1-0) and Turkmenistan (2-1) and a 1-1 draw against defending champions Tajikistan, who occupied the runners-up slot.
In Group B, it was DPR Korea all the way with emphatic wins against Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar, who had to stay content with second place and a semifinal meeting against the hosts.
Both semifinals will be played today and the final is scheduled to be held on August 10 (Sunday).
DPR Korea, who have advanced to the final round of qualifying for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, proved they were a class apart with their three wins in as many matches.
Also impressing was Myanmar with two swift wins against Sri Lanka and Nepal till they fell by a solitary goal to group leaders DPR Korea on Monday.
Indian captain Baichung Bhutia has been in fine form for the hosts, scoring three goals in the last two games.
His late equaliser helped India secure a vital point against defending champions Tajikistan last Saturday.
And on Monday, Bhutia scored both the goals to help his side to a 2-1 win against Turkmenistan.
Park Song-chol has been the sole goal-scorer for DPR Korea having found the net on three occasions so far.
Coached by Brazilian Marcos Antonio Falopa, Myanmar will face Bob Houghton's India, while DPR Korea will try to get past defending champions Tajikistan in the knockout stage of the competition.
Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Nepal came through a tough 16-team pre-qualifying round matches held earlier this year.
India and Tajikistan are both ranked 153rd in the Fifa World Ranking lower than Turkmenistan who are 150th while Afghanistan are the lowest ranked side in the tournament at 182nd.
The winners of the AFC Challenge Cups 2008 and 2010 will have direct entry to the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.
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