BEFOR THE MATCH how media predict result.. Mahendra face uphill task against Regar-TadAZ ------------------------------------ 27 September 2007 LAHORE: Former champions Tajikistan's Regar-TadAZ will take on Nepal's Mahendra Police Club in the first semi-final of the third AFC President's Cup on Thursday at the Punjab Stadium. Captain Khurshed Makhmudov, who slammed five goals against Bhutan 's Transport United on opening day will hold key to Tajikistan League champions’ success. Coach Mahamdjon Habibulloev will miss the services of midfielder Ibraguim Rabimov due to suspension but he has strong Abbos Abdullayev and Mansurdzhon Hakimov in his ranks who have the ability to turn the tables on any opposition. Habibulloev said: “It won’t be a cakewalk in the semi-final. I have seen Mahendra’s game and they have a good side.” “We can’t take them lightly. They have displayed good quality football during the group games and earned their place in the last four.” It will be an uphill task for the Nepalese outfit as Birat Krishna Shrestha’s charges could only score six goals in their three group matches. All these goals came during their 6-4 victory over Cambodia ’s Khemara on Tuesday. Mahendra Police Club have solid a backline led by experienced national defender Rakesh Shrestha with young but experienced Ritesh Thapa under the bar. Former national midfielder Ananta Thapa, Jumanu Rai and Ramesh Budhathoki hold the key to their fortunes. They will miss the services of midfielder Parbat Pandey, who will serve one match suspension for picking up two yellow cards in the group games. Shrestha was cautious while commenting his team’s plans. “The Central Asians are physically strong than us and that could be their advantage. But I have told my boys to play their natural game.” “I hope we would be able to give a tough fight.” www.the-afc.com