AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023: Tajikistan Coach Describes Qualifying for Quarter-Finals as Great Achievement

Doha, January 28 (QNA) - Tajikistan national team coach Peter Siegart described the victory over the UAE and qualifying for the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 as a great achievement in the team's first participation in the continental championship finals.
In the press conference after the match between Tajikistan and the UAE, Siegart said that what they have presented in the Asian Cup so far is a source of pride, but the dream is to continue the journey and qualify for the next stage of the competitions.
He added that the UAE played a great match and played well, but Tajikistan players played a strong match and showed a fighting spirit and personality on the field, especially after conceding a fatal goal in the stoppage time.
Tajikistan beat the UAE on penalties (3-5) after the match ended in its original and extra time in a draw (1-1).
Siegart explained that Tajikistan has become the dark horse in the tournament with the results it has achieved and seeks to go further.
Tajikistan, which participates in the Asian Cup for the first time in its history, will meet in the quarter-finals with the winner of the Iraq-Jordan match scheduled for Monday in the round of 16.
Tajikistan coach indicated that he has been seeking for some time to develop football in Tajikistan, and this has begun to become clear in light of the Tajikistan national team qualifying for the Asian Cup for the first time, in addition to the levels it presents in the tournament. He pointed out that thousands of children play football in Tajikistan and they seek to develop and qualify them on an ongoing basis.
Vakhdat Khanonov, the winner of the best player of the match, expressed his happiness at his country's qualification to the quarter-finals in its first participation in the continental tournament, as well as his happiness at scoring his country's goal in the match.
He thanked all the fans who supported the team, whether inside or outside Tajikistan, as well as on the field, thanking his country's federation, which provided great support for the development of the team and football. (QNA)