The Maldives gained a 1-1 tie at Cambodia in a World Cup qualifier Sunday to
move into first place in Asia's Group Nine.
Ismail Naseem scored in the 67th minute for Maldives, which was outscored
59-0 in qualifying for the 1998 tournament, but Chea Makara tied the score in
the 78th at Phnom Phen.
Maldives (1-1-1), which beat Cambodia 6-0 at home two weeks ago, leads the
group with four points, one ahead of Indonesia (1-0), three ahead of Cambodia
(0-1-1) and four ahead of China, which hasn't started play.
The top team in each group advances to the 10-nation Asian finals, which
will produce two qualifier's for next year's tournament in Japan and South
Korea.
In a Group Eight game at Bangalore, Yemen gained a 1-1 tie at India.
Abdussalam Hamood scored for Yemen in the 44th minute, but Bhaichung Bhutia
tied it on a header in the 55th.
Yemen (1-0-1) is ahead of India (1-0-1) on goal difference, one point ahead
of the United Arab Emirates (1-1) and four in front of Brunei (0-2).
AP NEWS
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