Tajikistan stunned two-time champions Korea DPR at the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship on Monday to book their first FIFA U-17 World Cup berth in 12 years.
After drawing 1-1 in regular time in their quarter-final clash, the young Persian Lions emerged victorious in the penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals.
The four semi-finalists of the tournament would qualify for the U-17 World Cup in Peru next year.
Tajikistan's qualification was nothing short of a miraculous turn of fortune especially considering they lost 6-2 to hosts Malaysia in a Group A opening match.
It would be only their second U-17 World Cup appearance after 2007, when they reached the Round of 16 where they lost to Peru on penalties.
Joining them in Peru next year were Australia, Japan and Korea Republic.
Australia beat Indonesia in a five-goal thriller, while the latter two edged past Oman and India respectively.
Seng Foo Lee
Tue Oct 02 2018
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