AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023/ Tajikistan Coach Praises Qatar's Hosting and Reaffirms Team's Readiness to Face Qatar

Doha, January 16 (QNA) - Croatian Petar Segrt,Tajikistan national football team coach did not hide the fact that his team's match against Qatar, the defending champion, will be a difficult one. 
    The match will take place at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday, as part of the 2nd round of Group A competitions in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
    Qatar is leading Group A standings with 3 points, followed by China and Tajikistan with one point each, while Lebanon is in last position with no points.
    In a pre-match press conference, Segrt said that his team's focus is not on the Qatari team, and that Tajikistan's objective is to remain fully focused throughout the match, in addition to being able to handle pressure.
    Tajik national team coach praised the State of Qatar's efforts in organizing the tournament, noting that the atmosphere is ideal and everything is running smoothly.
    Segrt said that although the Qatar team is strong, yet Tajikistan is not afraid of any competitor and have an opportunity to get a satisfactory result. 
    He expressed his team's desire to put on a good show against Qatar, score Tajikistan's first goals in the AFC Asian Cup, and earn 3 points. 
​     In turn, Tajikistan goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov said that his team performed wonderfully against China, were able to prepared well after the match, thus, regained their readiness for the upcoming confrontation, despite the challenge that Qatar pose.
    The Tajik goalkeeper pointed out that he has never faced Qatar's striker Akram Afif before, who is an important and talented player, adding that the Tajik team keeps an eye on all of the opponent’s players.
    The Tajikistan team is the only team to participate in the tournament for the first time, becoming the 37th team to play in the continental championship since its inception in 1956. (QNA)