The finalists from 2015 and 2017 were coming off a confidence-boosting 3-0 win over Tajik rivals Khujand on Matchday One and almost made the perfect start when Alisher Dzhalilov’s effort cannoned back off the crossbar in just the third minute.
Turkmen international Altymyrat Annadurdyyev had the home side’s first real shot of the game in the 21st minute, but his effort was easily saved by Nikola Stosic.
Annadurdyyev had an even better chance just three minutes later after being played in behind the Istiklol defence by Resul Hojayev, but Stosic again did well to deny the attacker.
Annadurdyyev would’ve been sick of the sight of the Istiklol custodian as Stosic denied the 25-year-old yet again early in the second half.
Just as the match looked headed for a goalless stalemate it suddenly sprung to life with two goals in two minutes at either end of the pitch.
Istiklol were the first to find the back of the net when substitute Sheriddin Boboev got the better of his defender, gliding into the box only to see his effort blocked by Mamed Orazmuhamedov.
But the Altyn Asyr goalkeeper could do nothing to deny Boboev on the rebound as the Tajik champions took the lead.
But straight from kic- off Altyn Asyr went down the other end and equalised immediately, with Begmyrat Bayov’s cut back expertly tucked away by Selim Nurmuradov.
The home side should’ve secured the win in the 88th minute when Annadurdyyev’s cross found Murat Yakshiyev who had just the keeper to beat, but the striker inexplicably put his shot wide as the home side had to settle for their second draw in as many matches to start their AFC Cup campaign.
The result keeps Istiklol top of Group D on four points, with the Tajik side due to return home to face Dordoi FC on Matchday Three, while Altyn Asyr will travel to Tajikistan to take on FC Khujand.
