Afanasijev boost for Belarus
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
Article summary
Norway 2-3 Belarus Mikhail Afanasijev's late double turns a dramatic match in the visitors' favour.
Article body
Belarus came from behind to beat Norway with a late flourish in Drammen.
Eriksen opener
Norway took the lead through Lars-Kristian Eriksen after 26 minutes before Oleg Sjkabara equalised 12 minutes from time. Eirik Markegård put the Norwegians back in front two minutes later for what looked like the winner, but two goals from Mikhail Afanasijev, on 82 and 85 minutes, gave Belarus a dramatic away win in their opening game of Group 5.
October encounters
Belarus - who were finalists in the 2002/04 edition in Germany in June - will be seeking a second victory at home to Moldova on 8 October while Norway - bottom of the section and without a point from two games - travel to Scotland next.