DUSHANBE, 07.03.2018. /NIAT “Khovar”/. On the eve of the start of the 2018 AFC Cup group stage in group D, the head coach of Dushanbe’s FC “Istiqlol” Muhsin Muhammadiev told about the preparation of the club for the match against the Turkmen “Ahal”. NIAT “Khovar” has been reported by the press service of the Football Federation of Tajikistan.

Muhsin Muhammadiev, head coach of FC “Istiqlol”:

— Here comes the moment when we re-start in the AFC Cup. Our rivals in the group are clubs from Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. For the second year in a row, we start the tournament with a home match. We are very serious about the match of the first round against “Ahal”.

We have enough information about our opponent. We watched the matches of “Ahal” against “Dordoy” and “Khujand”. The opponent is very strong. We play at home and have to show our game. We will try tomorrow to exert serious pressure on the opponent. In the AFC Cup, each point is worth its weight in gold. In a home match, we do not have the right to misfire.

I take this opportunity to invite all fans for tomorrow’s match to support us. I am sure that the guys will give all their strength for victory.

Nikola Stosic, goalkeeper of “Istiqlol”:

— We are serious about the match. We will go on the field to achieve a positive result. I invite all fans to football. Come tomorrow, we always need your support, you, fans, — our 12th player, it will be easier for us with you.