DUSHANBE, 28.03.2017 /NIAT “Khovar”/. The head coach of the national team of Tajikistan Hakim Fuzaylov and vice-captain of the team, Fathullo Fathulloev on the eve of the match against Yemen attended the pre-match press conference and noted the importance of a good start in the Asian Cup-2019 qualifier.

Hakim Fuzaylov, the head coach of the national team of Tajikistan:

— At this stage of the tournament there are no weak teams absolutely. The national team of Yemen has adequately qualified for the group qualifier. I think that the rivals are equal today. Like us, Yemen probably poses the task of reaching the final of the Asian Cup-2019. Our management has set the task for the team — to reach into the Asian Cup, we do not remove it, and we will do everything to fulfill it. As for match, of course, to us it will be very difficult, but, on the other hand, I think the match will be quite interesting. We have studied the national team of Yemen. The team is trained and interesting, so it will not be easy for us. We set a task — to win a match. It is very important for us to start with a win.

Fathullo Fathulloev, vice-captain of the national team of Tajikistan:

— We are fairly well prepared for the match against Yemen. Before this match we had a friendly match with Bahrain, so we are ready for today’s match. We have previously met twice with Yemen at the level of the national teams, so I can say that this team is enough strong. We will try to show good game and to return home with three points. This is the first match in the qualifier, we need a good start. We play for our country. It does not matter where you play and under what circumstances, we take the field to fight, to take every effort and to win.