DUSHANBE, 20.09.2018 /NIAT “Khovar”/. The 18th Asian Junior Championship (U-16), which will be attended by the team of Tajikistan, starts today, September 20, in Malaysia. NIAT “Khovar” has been reported by the Football Federation of Tajikistan.

In Group A, Tajik team will play against Malaysia (September 20), Japan (September 23) and Thailand (September 26). 4 berths will be played at the Asian Championship for the World Cup (U-17) to be held next year in Peru.

On the eve of the start of the Asian Junior Championship in the Sheraton Hotel in the Malaysian city of Petaling Jaya took place a press conference, which was attended by the head coaches of the national teams of the Group A.

NIAT “Khovar” publishes the main statements of the participants of the press conference, presented by the press service of the Football Federation of Tajikistan.

Zainiddin Rahimov, head coach of the national junior team of Tajikistan:

— We arrived in Malaysia a week before the start of the Asian Championship. We spent a week’s training, well trained, had time to acclimatize to local weather, as well as played one test match. I think that our team is in good shape and ready for the tournament. In general, we prepared carefully for the Asian Championship. This year we took part in tournaments in Serbia, Japan and Kazakhstan, as well as played two friendly games against peers from Oman in Tajikistan. Since the beginning of the year, our team has played 15 international matches. We tested different combinations in matches against very strong teams.

As for our group at the Asian Championship in Malaysia, it is very strong. There are no weak opponents. All teams have the same chances to get out of the group. We have studied our rivals in the group thoroughly, and watched their friendly games. The first match we have against the hosts of the tournament — the national team of Malaysia. A lot depends on the first game. In order to get out of the group, we need to start successfully. The initial task of our team at the Asian Championship is to get out of the group.

Lim Teong Kim, head coach of the junior team of Malaysia:

— In terms of preparation, we had long time. We had four years to prepare this squad, and it is game time now. I like to play at home, there is not any pressure. I know the weather, people and stadium. We must make use of this opportunity as hosts.

Thongchai Rungreanlgleas, head coach of the junior team of Thailand:

— We know the quality of the teams in this group, and we have prepared to face them. We also had a long time to prepare, and we are here to give our best to achieve the result. We hope to give a surprise to our fans.

Yoshiro Moriya, head coach of the junior team of Japan:

— Although many view Japan as favourites to advance to the knockout stage, but I agree with my colleague from team of Tajikistan that we have an equal group, everyone has an equal chance to reach the next round. People might think we are the best, but anything can happen in football, we just want to be flexible and get a good result. The key is how our players deal with difficult situations, for instance if we are a goal behind.