Champion of Tajikistan on football Dushanbe "Istiklol"August 22, defeated the Philippine "Ceres Negros" in the first interzonal semi-final match of the AFC-2017 Cup. Dushanbe football players scored four unanswered goals.
In the capital's club, Manulchehr Jalilov scored a double. Another one on his account was recorded by Akhtam Nazarov (from the penalty spot) and Romish Jalilov. The match took place in the central stadium of Gissar, the official website of the Football Federation of Tajikistan reports.
The return meeting will be held on September 12 in Philippine Bacolod.
In the post-match press conference, Risto Vidakovich, head coach of "Ceres Negros" congratulated "Istiqlol" with the victory.
"It was our worst game in the AFC Cup. Today we did not succeed. "Istiklol" very well acted, was more mobile on the field. We played very poorly in the defense. It's difficult to say what affected the 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 game in Bacolod. Maybe my players will create a story and win at home with a result of 5: 0. This is football, anything can be", – R.Vidakovich noted.
Muhsin Muhammadiev, head coach of Istiqlol thanked the fans of his team for their support.
«"Despite the big score, the game turned out to be difficult. It only seems that we easily and simply today defeated "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 the power to the game. Moments we played well, at moments something did not work out, but still the goal for the match was fulfilled – they won ", – Said Muhammadiev.
