AFC Asian Cup
A tense 1-1 draw against the Philippines in their final Group A qualifying tie at the Hisor Central Stadium on Tuesday sent Tajikistan through, with Sheriddin Boboev’s first-half equaliser securing the crucial point.
The result saw both teams finishing on 14 points, with Tajikistan advancing with a superior goal difference.
The result saw both teams finishing on 14 points, with Tajikistan advancing with a superior goal difference.
For Stevanovic, the outcome was a reflection of a wider collective effort.
“Qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup is the result of the collective work of the team, the Tajikistan Football Federation and our fans,” said Stevanovic, with Tajikistan booking their place at the Finals for only the second time.
The Serbian tactician admitted his side had not been at their best on the night, but underlined that resilience mattered more than performance in such high-stakes encounters.
“As we expected, the match turned out to be extremely difficult. We were not able to show our best game and there were shortcomings, but the most important thing is that we achieved the result,” he said. “The players showed character, discipline and fought until the very end.”
“Qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup is the result of the collective work of the team, the Tajikistan Football Federation and our fans,” said Stevanovic, with Tajikistan booking their place at the Finals for only the second time.
The Serbian tactician admitted his side had not been at their best on the night, but underlined that resilience mattered more than performance in such high-stakes encounters.
“As we expected, the match turned out to be extremely difficult. We were not able to show our best game and there were shortcomings, but the most important thing is that we achieved the result,” he said. “The players showed character, discipline and fought until the very end.”
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Stevanovic pointed to the team’s unity as the defining factor, especially in a match where the margins were so fine.
“In matches like this, unity and belief in each other are especially important, and today the team demonstrated that,” he added.
“In matches like this, unity and belief in each other are especially important, and today the team demonstrated that,” he added.
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He also reserved special praise for the home support in Hisor, describing the fans as the driving force behind the team’s success.
“The fans were our 12th player. Their support gave us strength throughout the match. We felt this energy from the stands and played not only for ourselves but for all of Tajikistan.
“I would also like to thank the Tajikistan Football Federation, which created excellent conditions for the team’s preparation. This is an important factor in achieving such a result. Thanks as well to the previous coaching staff – their contribution to the team’s development and this success is also significant.”
“The fans were our 12th player. Their support gave us strength throughout the match. We felt this energy from the stands and played not only for ourselves but for all of Tajikistan.
“I would also like to thank the Tajikistan Football Federation, which created excellent conditions for the team’s preparation. This is an important factor in achieving such a result. Thanks as well to the previous coaching staff – their contribution to the team’s development and this success is also significant.”
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