2008 AFC Challenge Cup
Encyclopedia
The 2008 AFC Challenge Cup
football tournament was hosted by India and played from July 30 to August 13, 2008. India
won the final against Tajikistan
. India was also the winner of the fair play award and the India captain Baichung Bhutia
won the most valuable player award.
Chinese Taipei
was originally designated the host, but could not guarantee it would meet the AFC
's standards for hosting the tournament. Thailand was first chosen as host but withdrew due to lack of time to prepare. The winners of the 2008 and 2010 competitions will qualify directly for the 2011 Asian Cup
. This competition is exclusive to members of the emerging nations class of the AFC. However, in the previous edition, Bangladesh
and India
were invited from the developing nations class - Bangladesh actually hosting the tournament, and India sending their under-20 team
. India and Bangladesh have again been invited for the 2008 edition of the tournament, along with North Korea, Myanmar
and Turkmenistan
who are also a part of the developing nations class.
Laos withdrew from the competition on 2 May 2008.
Palestine withdrew from the competition on 14 May 2008.
Due to the poor conditions of the pitch at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium
, the AFC moved the majority of the matches to another venue. It was decided that ten matches would played at the Gachibowli Athletic Stadium
, and two at the LBS Stadium. Due to incessant rains in Hyderabad in the days leading up to the final, the AFC
changed the venue of the final and the third place play-off to the Ambedkar Stadium
in New Delhi
.
(tournament hosts), Korea DPR
, Turkmenistan
and Myanmar
qualified automatically.
Mongolia
and Timor-Leste decided not to take part.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. (Withdrew 14 May 2008)
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20. (Withdrew 2 May 2008)
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4 goals Sunil Chhetri Yusuf Rabiev
Guwançmuhammet Öwekow
3 goals Baichung Bhutia
2 goals Ro Hak-Su
Soe Myat Min
1 goal Climax Lawrence
Myo Min Tun Si Thu Win Yan Paing
Yazar Win Thein
1 goal K.C. Anjan Ju Manu Rai
Santosh Shahukhala Kasun Jayasuriya
Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev
Dzhomikhon Mukhidinov
Davronjon Tukhtasunov Vyacheslav Krendelev Ýusup Orazmämmedow
Own goal Madushka Peiris (playing against Korea DPR
) Alisher Tuychiev
(playing against India
)
AFC Challenge Cup
The AFC Challenge Cup is an international football competition for emerging nations that are members of the Asian Football Confederation. The first tournament was hosted by Bangladesh in 2006...
football tournament was hosted by India and played from July 30 to August 13, 2008. India
India national football team
The Indian national football team is the national football team of India and is governed by the All India Football Federation. It is a member of the Asian Football Confederation. Since 1948, the AIFF has been affiliated with FIFA, the international governing body for football. In 1954, AIFF became...
won the final against Tajikistan
Tajikistan national football team
The Tajikistan national football team represents Tajikistan in association football and is controlled by the Tajikistan National Football Federation, the governing body for football in Tajikistan. Tajikistan's home ground is Pamir Stadium in Dushanbe....
. India was also the winner of the fair play award and the India captain Baichung Bhutia
Baichung Bhutia
Baichung Bhutia is an ex Indian footballer. He is currently contracted by the club he owns, United Sikkim. He is considered to be the torchbearer of Indian football in the international arena. He plays for United Sikkim FC. He is often nicknamed the Sikkimese Sniper because of his shooting skills...
won the most valuable player award.
Chinese Taipei
Chinese Taipei
Chinese Taipei is the designated name used by the Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan, to participate in some international organizations and almost all sporting events, such as the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games and Asian Para Games...
was originally designated the host, but could not guarantee it would meet the AFC
Asian Football Confederation
The Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
's standards for hosting the tournament. Thailand was first chosen as host but withdrew due to lack of time to prepare. The winners of the 2008 and 2010 competitions will qualify directly for the 2011 Asian Cup
2011 AFC Asian Cup
The 2011 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Qatar on 7–29 January 2011. It was the fifteenth time the tournament has been held, and the second time it has been hosted by Qatar, the other being the 1988 AFC Asian Cup...
. This competition is exclusive to members of the emerging nations class of the AFC. However, in the previous edition, Bangladesh
Bangladesh national football team
The Bangladesh national football team is the national team of Bangladesh controlled by the Bangladesh Football Federation. It is a member of the Asian Football Confederation and has yet to qualify for the World Cup finals...
and India
India national football team
The Indian national football team is the national football team of India and is governed by the All India Football Federation. It is a member of the Asian Football Confederation. Since 1948, the AIFF has been affiliated with FIFA, the international governing body for football. In 1954, AIFF became...
were invited from the developing nations class - Bangladesh actually hosting the tournament, and India sending their under-20 team
India national under-20 football team
India national under-16 football team, also known as India under-16s or India U16, represents India in association football at a under-16 age level and is controlled by the All India Football Federation, the governing body for Football in India...
. India and Bangladesh have again been invited for the 2008 edition of the tournament, along with North Korea, Myanmar
Myanmar national football team
The Myanmar national football team is the national team of Myanmar and is controlled by the Myanmar Football Federation. It was known as the Burma national football team until 1989, when Burma was renamed Myanmar. It finished second in the 1968 Asian Cup. They have participated in the Summer...
and Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan national football team
The Turkmenistan national football team is the national team of Turkmenistan and is controlled by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan.-History:After the country gained independence, they played their first match against Kazakhstan on June 1, 1992...
who are also a part of the developing nations class.
Laos withdrew from the competition on 2 May 2008.
Palestine withdrew from the competition on 14 May 2008.
Due to the poor conditions of the pitch at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium
Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium
The Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium is a cricket stadium in Hyderabad, India. The stadium was originally known as Fateh Maidan and was re-named in 1967 after Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's former Prime Minister....
, the AFC moved the majority of the matches to another venue. It was decided that ten matches would played at the Gachibowli Athletic Stadium
Gachibowli Athletic Stadium
Gachibowli Athletic Stadium is a multipurpose stadium in Hyderabad, India. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium holds 30,000 people and built in 2005.It is located in the Gachibowli suburb....
, and two at the LBS Stadium. Due to incessant rains in Hyderabad in the days leading up to the final, the AFC
Asian Football Confederation
The Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
changed the venue of the final and the third place play-off to the Ambedkar Stadium
Ambedkar Stadium
Ambedkar Stadium is a stadium in New Delhi, India. The stadium is named in honour of B. R. Ambedkar, the famous dalit leader and chairman of the Indian constituent assembly. It opened in 2007 and has a listed capacity of 20,000. It is currently used for football matches...
in New Delhi
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. It is one of the nine districts of Delhi Union Territory. The total area of the city is...
.
Tournament
Qualification saw the top team from each of the four qualification groups qualify for the tournament proper, bringing the total number of participating teams in the centralized finals to eight. In addition, IndiaIndia national football team
The Indian national football team is the national football team of India and is governed by the All India Football Federation. It is a member of the Asian Football Confederation. Since 1948, the AIFF has been affiliated with FIFA, the international governing body for football. In 1954, AIFF became...
(tournament hosts), Korea DPR
Korea DPR national football team
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea national football team represents the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in international association football and is controlled by the DPR Korea Football Association, the governing body for football in North Korea.North Korea surprised with a...
, Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan national football team
The Turkmenistan national football team is the national team of Turkmenistan and is controlled by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan.-History:After the country gained independence, they played their first match against Kazakhstan on June 1, 1992...
and Myanmar
Myanmar national football team
The Myanmar national football team is the national team of Myanmar and is controlled by the Myanmar Football Federation. It was known as the Burma national football team until 1989, when Burma was renamed Myanmar. It finished second in the 1968 Asian Cup. They have participated in the Summer...
qualified automatically.
Mongolia
Mongolia national football team
The Mongolian national football team represents the republic of Mongolia in international football under the Mongolian Football Federation. Founded in 1959 the association was inactive between 1960 and 1998 when the team did not feature in any international fixtures...
and Timor-Leste decided not to take part.
Seeding
Bold Type - qualified teams, Italics - withdrawn teams5.
6.
7.
8.
9. (Withdrew 14 May 2008)
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20. (Withdrew 2 May 2008)
Qualification
The following teams qualified for the final tournament: (Host) (Automatic Qualifier) (Automatic Qualifier) (Automatic Qualifier) (Winner Qualification Group A) (Winner Qualification Group B) (Winner Qualification Group C) (Winner Qualification Group D)Group Stage
| Key to colours in group tables |
|---|
| Top two placed teams advance to the semi-finals |
Tie-breaking criteria
Where two or more teams end the group stage with the same number of points, their ranking is determined by the following criteria:- points earned in the matches between the teams concerned;
- goal difference in the matches between the teams concerned;
- number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned;
- goal difference in all group matches;
- number of goals scored in all group matches;
- kicks from the penalty mark (if only two teams are level and they are both on the field of play);
- fewer yellow and red cards received in the group matches;
- drawing of lots by the organising committee.
Group A
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 7 | ||
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 5 | ||
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 4 | ||
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 | −10 | 0 |
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Group B
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 9 | ||
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 6 | ||
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 3 | |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 9 | −8 | 0 |
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Knockout stage
Semi-finals
----Third place play-off
Final
Awards
| Fair Play Award | Golden Shoe | Most Valuable Player | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pak Song-CholPak Song-Chol Pak Song-Chol is a North Korean international football player.Pak has appeared for the Korea DPR national football team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup rounds. He also played at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.... |
 Baichung BhutiaBaichung Bhutia Baichung Bhutia is an ex Indian footballer. He is currently contracted by the club he owns, United Sikkim. He is considered to be the torchbearer of Indian football in the international arena. He plays for United Sikkim FC. He is often nicknamed the Sikkimese Sniper because of his shooting skills... |
Goalscorers
6 goals Pak Song-CholPak Song-Chol
Pak Song-Chol is a North Korean international football player.Pak has appeared for the Korea DPR national football team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup rounds. He also played at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup....
4 goals Sunil Chhetri Yusuf Rabiev
Yusuf Rabiev
Yusuf Rabiev is an Tajik professional football player. The forward is playing for the Tajik Champions Esteghlal Dushanbe and is also part of the Tajik national team....
Guwançmuhammet Öwekow
3 goals Baichung Bhutia
Baichung Bhutia
Baichung Bhutia is an ex Indian footballer. He is currently contracted by the club he owns, United Sikkim. He is considered to be the torchbearer of Indian football in the international arena. He plays for United Sikkim FC. He is often nicknamed the Sikkimese Sniper because of his shooting skills...
2 goals Ro Hak-Su
Ro Hak-Su
Ro Hak-Su is a North Korean international football player.-Goals for Senior National Team:-External links:...
Soe Myat Min
Soe Myat Min
Soe Myat Min is a Burmese footballer. He plays for the Myanmar national team and plays club football with Kanbawza. He made his debut for the NT in 1998. Soe Myat Min was named captain of Myanmar National Team for Tiger Cup 2002....
1 goal Climax Lawrence
Climax Lawrence
Climax Lawrence is an Indian professional Football player. The midfielder is playing for Dempo S.C. and is also the captain of the Indian national team.- Career :...
Myo Min Tun Si Thu Win Yan Paing
Yan Paing
Yan Paing born 27 November 1983 in Yangon) is a Burmese footballer who plays for the Myanmar national football team. He also plays with in Myanmar National League. Yan Paing is a key striker for the Myanmar National Team and Yadanabon FC...
Yazar Win Thein
1 goal K.C. Anjan Ju Manu Rai
Ju Manu Rai
Ju Manu Rai is a Nepalese footballer, who currently plays for Nepal Police Club and his national side Nepal-Career:...
Santosh Shahukhala Kasun Jayasuriya
Kasun Jayasuriya
Kasun Nadika Jayasuriya is a Sri Lankan football player who plays for Renown Sports Club and the Sri Lanka national football team....
Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev
Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev
Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev is a Tajikistani footballer who plays for Esteghlal Dushanbe. He is a member of the Tajikistan national football team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. He also joined the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in South Korea.-Goals for Senior National Team:-External...
Dzhomikhon Mukhidinov
Dzhomikhon Mukhidinov
Çomixon Muxiddinov , is a Tajikistani footballer who plays for FK Khujand. He is a member of the Tajikistan national football team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.-Appearances for Senior National Team:-References:...
Davronjon Tukhtasunov Vyacheslav Krendelev Ýusup Orazmämmedow
Own goal Madushka Peiris (playing against Korea DPR
Korea DPR national football team
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea national football team represents the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in international association football and is controlled by the DPR Korea Football Association, the governing body for football in North Korea.North Korea surprised with a...
) Alisher Tuychiev
Alisher Tuychiev
Alisher Tuychiev , born 3 April 1976, is Tajikistani football player of Uzbekistani heritage. He plays as goalkeeper for Esteghlal Dushanbe and for the Tajikistan.- External links :* Goal.com* soccerway.com...
(playing against India
India national football team
The Indian national football team is the national football team of India and is governed by the All India Football Federation. It is a member of the Asian Football Confederation. Since 1948, the AIFF has been affiliated with FIFA, the international governing body for football. In 1954, AIFF became...
)