DUSHANBE, 23.08.2017 /NIAT “Khovar”/. Head coach of Dushanbe’s FC “Istiqlol” Muhsin Muhammadiev, after the major victory of his team over Philippines “Cerez Negros” (4: 0) in the AFC Cup-2017 first interzonal semi-final match, noted that, despite the score, the match proved difficult.

Muhsin Muhammadiev, head coach of “Istiqlol”:

— It just seems that we easily and simply today have beaten “Ceres”. It’s easy nothing ever is given. I am grateful to the guys that they have come very seriously to this game, they are tuned, fully laid out and gave all their strength. Moments we played well, at moments something did not work out, but still the goal for the match was fulfilled – they won.

Now we will prepare for the return match to be held on September 12 in the Philippines, so it is impossible to relax. Due to the preparation of the national team of Tajikistan for the match against Nepal, one group of players will be engaged here, the other will be with the team. This is a problem, but we are already used to it.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank all fans who came to Hissar Central Stadium, supported “Istiqlol”, for us this is important and very pleasant.

David Mawutor, “Istiqlol” midfielder, best player of the match:

— As Muhsin Muslimovitch said, the match was not easy. We prepared for it very seriously. Thanks to the fans who supported us from the first to the last minute. The support of the stands was important for us — the fans drove us forward, for which we are grateful.

Head coach of “Ceres Negros” Risto Vidakovich, in turn, shared his impressions after the  AFC Cup-2017 first interzonal semi-final match against Dushanbe’s “Istiqlol”, in which the Philippine club suffered a crushing defeat with the score 0:4.

 Risto Vidakovich, head coach of “Ceres Negros”:

— I congratulate “Istiqlol” with the victory. It was our worst match in the AFC Cup. Today we did not succeed. “Istiqlol” acted well, was more mobile on the field. We played very poorly in defense. It’s difficult to say what affected to result, the opponent played better and won this match quite deservedly. Despite a major defeat, we do not lose hope of reaching the next round of the AFC Cup. Ahead is the return leg in Bacolod. Maybe, my players will create a story and win with a score of 5:0 in home. This is football, anything can happen.