Tajikistan head coach Petar Segrt (left), and Lebanon head coach Miodrag Radulavic
Doha, Qatar: Head coach Petar Segrt is confident of three points when Tajikistan face Lebanon in their final AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Group A tie at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium today.
Both teams secured draws against China and a win for either side will boost their chances of advancing into the Round of 16.
Segrt, who has overseen Tajikistan since 2022, expects his team to come out fighting against Lebanon.
“Tomorrow is a very important match for both teams,” said Segrt.
“Ahead of the tournament, we were realistic with our expectations, knowing that Qatar is the best team in the group. But this is the final match in the group and although Lebanon will be tough opponents, we are equally confident of getting the three points.
“The Lebanon match is our ticket into the next round and the players are really motivated to get the first win. We are relaxed and know how important this is for our country and we want to continue making history by reaching the knockout stage.”
“We lost some players ahead of the tournament and now despite losing (Amadoni) Kamolov (suspended) we still have other players who can step in and fill the role.
“I believe in my team, and we’ll give our best. I hope we can get chances against Lebanon and score the first goal and continue our journey in this tournament. We must accept that we are playing against much stronger teams. Sometimes in life, when you fall down, you must get up. We must try, go in with our positive approach. That is my inspiration.”
Having missed their chance to secure a win against China, head coach Miodrag Radulavic believes his players will shine against Tajikistan.
“We had only one month to prepare, but I believe we are ready for it. It’s a decisive game tomorrow, and there will be a lot of fans. Their support means a lot to us. Together, I hope we will be happy after the game,” said Radulavic.
“Tajikistan are very organised, but I believe in my players, and we are ready to put in one more good performance and achieve a positive result.”
“We created chances against China, hitting the crossbar twice. Sometimes we need a bit of luck, but I‘m satisfied with my team’s performance. I hope my defenders will be at their best and I also hope that we can score goals, which will surely be crucial.
“This competition has shown that there are small differences between the teams. We should follow our game plan, be well-organised in defence, and be efficient in attack. It’s important that we create chances. Hopefully, tomorrow is our day.”
Group A - Tajikistan vs Lebanon
New foes: This will be the first meeting between Tajikistan and Lebanon in the AFC Asian Cup; Lebanon have won a match when facing an opponent for the first time only once (D3 L3) – a 4-1 victory against North Korea in the 2019 edition.
Knockout stage bid: Should Tajikistan qualify to the Round of 16, they will become the fourth team in the 21st century to get past the group stage in their debut season (Kyrgyzstan in 2019, Australia in 2007, Jordan in 2004).
In need of goals: Lebanon have failed to score in each of their last two AFC Asian Cup matches; if they fail to score against Tajikistan, it will be their longest goalless streak in competition history.
Sharp: Lebanon made 30 clearances in their match against China, their highest in a single game since at least 2007.
