The stage is set! The spotlight is on! And we are ready for 90 minutes of the most beautiful sport on earth!
Two national teams play for honour, sportsmanship and for that riveting feeling only the beautiful game endows…
Tajikistan vs Afghanistan – an international friendly that means much more!
Kick Off: Sunday, 13th November 2016.
16h (Tajikistan Time) / 11h GMT / 12h CET
Central Republican Stadium in Dushanbe
Free Live Streaming: https://mycujoo.tv/ch/273?id=2945
The Background
Preparation, preparation, preparation…
With another edition of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 qualifiers just around the corner, both teams are committed to lay the groundwork for a successful running on the acclaimed Asian tournament. As a matter of fact, Tajikistan has won the first two qualifiers matches, scoring 6 goals in two games against Bangladesh. And that’s not all. Goalkeepers Alisher Dodov and Abduazizov Mahkamov share a 180 min clean sheet.
If you are a follower of Tajikistan football (and we know you are), you may know that this is their second international friendly match of the week.
Busy week indeed! On Wednesday they played an international friendly match against Turkmenistan (114 FIFA Ranking). In case you want to relive all the action – or in case you have missed it (don’t worry we are not going to spoil for you) – we got you covered! Watch Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, for free, right here -> https://mycujoo.tv/ch/273?id=2923
Location, location, location…
Just as with the Turkmenistan’s game, Sunday’s match will also be held at the Central Republican Stadium in Dushanbe, aka “The Pamir Stadium”. Better known as the official home of Tajikistan’s national football! A venue that rests right at the heart of green trees and true nature.
The (Tajikistan) Squad:
Even though, Tajikistan’s participation so far at the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers have been near-impeccable, their last three outings – all international friendly matches – have all end up in ties: 0-0 against Syria, 1-1 and 3-3 against Palestine. This is nothing to worry about, but The Tajik Squad does needs a win! And these are the footballers that could play an important role to victory… and beyond!
The New Kid on the Block: The 22-year old Jahongir Ergashev represents exactly what the new generation of Tajikistan’s football brings to the table: tenacity and uncontrollable hunger for goal. He put any doubts – and doubters – at rest, by scoring in both Asian Cup qualification matches.
The Veteran: Davronjon Ergashev is right at that perfect spot where players evolve to their full potential. Having played 38 international matches to date, he has the experience and maturity to mentor the new generation, while he still has a lot to offer as an individual player.
The Captain: At only 25, Nuriddin Davronov is the backbone of the team. Some are born with the natural gift of leadership, while others acquire it through life. Davronov represents both sides of the spectrum. He has the natural skills, yes, but it’s through discipline, hard work and sacrifice that he has gained the “captain” title.
Full Squad for friendly match against Afghanistan
The Rival
Afghanistan (145) is only 5 spots behind Tajikistan (140) at the FIFA Rankings. In terms of AFC countries, they rank 24th and 25th respectively. Tajikistan has defeated Afghanistan in their last three international friendly encounters. All thrilling matches that were decided by the magic of one goal! Back in March of this year, veterans players of both countries got together for a friendly match. Tajikistan’s vets took the win!
Needless to say, for Afghanistan, Tajikistan is the team to beat.
This friendly match is a special one for Afghanistan football fans out there. After a two-year break, Islam Amiri – former Afghanistan’s captain – is back! Amiri has quite the resume. He is considered as one of the best Central Defenders in South Asia for his last outstanding performances with Mumbai FC and at the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. Back in 2013 he won the “Fans’ Player of the Year” in India.
Could Afghanistan turn the table around just before the AFC Asian Cup 2019 group- round-qualifiers? There’s only one way to find out!
How to watch online:
Free Live Streaming: https://mycujoo.tv/ch/273?id=2945
Tajikistan Football Federation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fft.tj
Tajikistan Football Federation Twitter: https://twitter.com/fft_official
Tomás Naranjo-Cluet –
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