DUSHANBE, 15.03.2018. /NIAT “Khovar”/. The head coach of Dushanbe’s FC “Istiqlol” Muhsin Muhammadiev at a press conference following the 2018 AFC Cup group stage away match against the Turkmen “Altyn Asyr” (2-2) said that his team could not keep the winning result, conceding two goals at the last minutes of the match. NIAT “Khovar” has been reported by the press service of the Football Federation of Tajikistan.

Muhsin Muhammadiev, head coach of “Istiqlol”:

— For the audience, the match was interesting, with a lot of scoring chances and untapped moments, but for the coaches not very much. Because, there were a lot of mistakes on the part of both teams. It turned out a fighting draw. It is a shame that we could not keep the victory. It was possible to hold out the last 4 minutes, but, apparently, last year’s situation repeats, when the fate of the first place in the group will be decided in the last round. There were many personnel changes in both teams compared to the last year, and, in my opinion, the last game was classier. I congratulate “Altyn Asyr” that despite the deficit in two goals, the team played to the end. For us, this match will be a great lesson. Leading in score 2:0, the experienced team should not lose its advantage and reduce the match to a draw.

Yazguly Khodjageldiyev, head coach of “Altyn Asyr”:

— We have great respect for the opponent, but today we lost two points. We almost dominated the entire match, but failed to realize our chances. ‘The opponent, on the contrary, squeezed out most of his moments. But I am grateful to the guys for fighting to the end. There are still 4 matches ahead at the group stage, we will work.