Defeating Maziya, Tajikistan's Regar-TadAZ has secured a spot in the group stage of the AFC Challenge League.
Regar won the match played this afternoon at the National Football Stadium in Malé by a score of 3-0.
The first half ended without any goals scored. Both teams created opportunities during the match. A free kick awarded to Regar outside Maziya's penalty area was crossed in front of the goal. However, Maziya's goalkeeper, Hussain Shareef, punched the ball away to clear the threat.
Later, from a chance created by Maziya's Abdulla Looth Ibrahim, Mohamed Aiham Anwar unleashed a shot that Regar's goalkeeper, Severin Takam, saved by diving.
Maziya players created two chances for their Nigerian forward, Benjamin Kuku. However, neither of his header attempts could be converted into a goal.
After the second half began, it did not take long for Regar to unlock Maziya's goal. Ozodbek Panjiev scored to give his team the lead in the opening minute of the second half.
In the 50th minute of the match, Azizbek Khaitov broke down Maziya's left flank and crossed the ball in front of the goal, where Ozodbek slid in to send it into the top corner of the net.
Following the goal, the Regar players appeared somewhat settled. Until they scored their second goal, the team did not produce any notable attacks.
In the second half, Maziya made tactical substitutions and improved their play. Among these changes, experienced player Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain (Feydhoo Ibbe) was subbed off, with young Ilan Imran coming on to replace him.
Prior to that substitution, Maziya's best chance fell to Mahudhee, but his effort went wide.
With the substitutions made, Maziya increased their pressure on Regar's defense. In the 77th minute of the match, Ahmed Aiham (Fathoe) delivered a ball into the penalty area. At a moment when Regar's defense was not properly organized, Fathoe's delivery was aimed at setting up Nassah Ibrahim Naseer.
However, the ball went behind Nassah, and he was unable to get a shot.
In the 89th minute, substitute Sharzod Mahamadiev scored Regar's second goal. Receiving a cross from Ozodbek Panjiev, Mahamadiev calmly slotted the ball into the net.
The team's third goal was scored during extra time by Amirjon Safarov. Exploiting a counter-attack while Maziya's players were pushed forward, a ball crossed into the area was struck by Safarov into the top netting of the goal.
