Know India's Rivals: Tajikistan

Goal tells you everything you need to know about the Blue Tigers' opponents in the opener of the 2019 Intercontinental Cup...

Country: Tajikistan

FIFA Ranking: 120

Last match played: China 1-0 Tajikistan (11 June 2019)

Coach: Usmon Toshev

RECENT PERFORMANCES

Usmon Toshev was installed as the national team coach in November 2018 after his predecessor Alisher Tuhtayev's short reign. Earlier in 2018, after failing to qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup from a group consisting of the Philippines, Yemen and Nepal, Khakim Fuzailov resigned.

The tumultuous recent past has forced Toshev to build a new team. He is yet to taste success in the five games he has been in charge. Twin losses to Oman followed by a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Bahrain in December 2018 meant Toshev's side got off on the wrong foot.

A 1-1 draw against Afghanistan preceded a narrow 1-0 loss away to China in the June 2019 international window. Now, Toshev comes to India with a relatively young side. Players like Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev (66 caps, 9 goals) and Manuchekhr Dzhalilov (24 caps, 15 goals) are missing from the squad.

Parvizdzhon Umarbaev, the 24-year-old midfielder who plies his trade in the Bulgarian top division club Lokomotiv Plovdiv is also missing from the traveling party. Eleven of the 21 players in the squad are from Istiklol, the domestic champions.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Siyovush Asrorov: After five successful years at Istiklol, the 26-year-old centre-back has made a move to Malaysian Super League club PKNP FC in 2019. The 6'2'' defender is one of the more experienced members of Toshev's squad with 35 caps to his name.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Rustam Yatimov (FC Istiklol), Shokhrukh Kirgizboev (Barki Tajik Dushanbe);

Defenders: Akhtam Nazarov, Iskandar Dzhalilov, Zoir Juraboev, Tabrezi Davlatmir (all FC Istiklol), Alisher Barotov (FC Khatlon), Siyovush Asrorov (PKNP FC);

Midfielders: Amirbek Juraboev, Ehson Panjshanbe, Muhammadjon Rakhimov (all FC Istiklol), Karomatullo Saidov (FC Khatlon), Okabek Karimov, Ilhomjon Barotov (both FK Istaravshan), Daler Yodgorov, Sharafdzhon Solehov (both CSKA Pamir Dushanbe), Nozim Babadzhanov (Regar-TadAZ);

Forwards: Sheriddin Boboev, Shahrom Samiyev, Komron Tursunov (all FC Istiklol), Tokhir Malodoustov (Barki Tajik Dushanbe).