Tajikistan exit with heads held high: Segrt

Doha, Qatar: A disappointed Petar Segrt was effusive in his praise of his players despite Tajikistan making a heartbreaking exit from the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 following their 1-0 defeat to Jordan in their quarter-final tie at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday.

Well liked for his flamboyance at the tournament, Segrt expressed his dismay at exiting the tournament but expressed admiration for his players, saying they had performed beyond expectations.

“Congratulations to Jordan, they deserve this victory. They were better than us. We missed chances in the first half but this is football and Jordan had more experience. But we must also praise the Tajikistan players. I will never forget how hard they worked for the last few games,” said Segrt.

“The focus must be on the players and what they have done. For me, the biggest surprise was our players and how they performed here at the AFC Asian Cup.”

What made their exit even more cruel was the fact that an own goal by defender Vahdat Hanonov secured Jordan the win, the ball hitting the defender off a corner before settling in the back of the net in the 66th minute.

Segrt’s men tried to force their way back but Jordan held firm, thanks to some brilliant defensive effort and solid goalkeeping by Yazeed Abulaila.

“Both teams had equal opportunities in the game. Unfortunately we were unlucky to concede from a corner. We tried our best to fight back but in the end we couldn’t find a way past Jordan.

“We’re not celebrating today but in Tajikistan, in one or two days’ time when they go back, I think the players will once again be celebrating. Nobody expected this, for us to get this far in this tournament. I was dreaming of something more, but now we see our limit.

“Tajikistan are going home but we can go home with honour and pride. The players deserve respect and a beautiful homecoming.”

Looking ahead, Segrt, who has been coaching Tajikistan for two years, said his contract will expire in February and will hold talks with the Tajikistan Football Federation.

“I’ll take some rest and we’ll see and make some decisions after I speak to the federation.”