In today's preliminary stage (pre-playoff) of the AFC Cup, the second-tier club competition in Asia,  TC Sports Club of Maldives wins away against Saif Sports Club of Bangladesh to move closer to AFC Cup playoff spot. In a match that was evenly poised for much of the 90 minutes, a solitary goal by Anatoly Vlasichev in the 23^rd Minute was enough to win the match for TC Sports Club. Saif sports club pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half of the match, but was unable to score from any of the chances they created.

The match played at the Bangabandhu National Stadium of Bangladesh, a stadium which TC has happy memories winning the second edition of Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup Football Tournament 10 months ago.

The second leg of the match would be played in Male’ next week and a draw would be good enough for TC to qualify to the playoff for the first time in their history.