DUSHANBE, 13.02.2018. /NIAT “Khovar”/. The head coach of the vice-champion of Tajikistan — football club “Khujand” Rustam Khojaev, on the eve of the first playoff match of the 2018 AFC Cup against the Turkmen “Ahal”, declared that the main task of his club is to advance to the group stage of the tournament. It was reported by the press service of the Football Federation of Tajikistan.

We will recal that the first playoff match between these two clubs takes place today, February 13, at the “Sports Toplumy” stadium in Balkanabad and starts at 15:00 local time. The return leg takes place on February 20 in Khujand.

Rustam Khojaev, head coach of FC “Khujand”:

— I would like to thank the hosts for the warm welcome. I have already been in Turkmenistan for the fifth time. Previously, I came here four times as a player. Three times participated in the Cup of the President of Turkmenistan, and once came together with the national team of Tajikistan. And now I am here as a coach.

As for the forthcoming match of the AFC Cup against “Ahal”, our club prepared for the playoff matches well. We held several training camps, and played a number of control matches. We have enough information about our opponent. We watched both matches of “Ahal” against “Dordoy”, and analyzed them. I can say that “Ahal” is a strong opponent, but it is possible to play against any club. The task of FC “Khujand” is to advance to the AFC Cup group stage.

Jahongir Ergashev, FC “Khujand” striker:

— We will try to show our best game in order to achieve the result and to pass “Ahal” following the results of the two-match confrontation. We will try to reach the group stage of the AFC Cup. Namely, it is our main task. It does not matter where we play — we came here to win. We respect our opponents, but we will give them a fight. I believe that our club will be able to win a berth to the AFC Cup next round.