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Tajikistan clinically disposed of Sri Lanka 4-0 to clinch the AFC Challenge Cup at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Sunday. The Central Asians used their pace, control and skills to lay claim to their first international title since emerging as a sovereign nation.

The Tajiks needed just 50 seconds to go in front after Sri Lankan defender Sanjay Amarsingha lost possession very easily to Ibraguim Rabimov whose grounder was blocked by Lankan keeper Tilakaratne but Zdomikhoin Muhidinov pounded the rebound into the net.

Muhidinov and Yusuf Rabiev both missed a defence-splitting through from Numodzhon Hakiomov in the 29th minute with no one except the open net in front of them.

The islanders got their only scoring chance just on the stroke of half-time when Mudiyansilage’s header off Dudley Steinwall’s free-kick missed the crosspiece by a few inches.

But from the resulting counter-attack when the fourth referee had just indicated two minutes of extra-time, Khurshed Makhmudov blasted the ball home with cracker from the top of the box.

Numodzhon Hakiomov scored the third off an Odil Irgashev free-kick after the rampant Tajiks gave Tilakratne no time to react. Zdomikhoin Muhidinov scored his second in the 70th minute as he was set free by a superb solo effort of Yusuf Rabiev.

Sri Lanka twice should have scored on 72nd minute and in the injury time but Siyaguna Koskodade and Jayasuriya squandered their efforts shooting wide.

Sharif Nazarov, the Tajikistan coach, was ecstatic afterwards. ‘I think this title will help us develop our game in the country and we have proved that Tajikistan is capable to play in the higher level,’ he said.

His Lankan counterpart Sampath Perera however wanted to focus upon the future. ‘We have played a final after 11 years and we are happy with the runners-up trophy. The youngsters have gained valuable experience from the tourney.’