FC Goa’s AFC Champions League Two Rival Watch: FC Istiklol

FC Istiklol have won the Tajik League a record thirteen times

FC Goa had a disappointing start to their 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two campaign as they lost 2-0 to Al Zawraa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. The Gaurs had their moments in the game but failed to convert them, while their opponents made the most of their chances.

Up next, Manolo Marquez’s side will go head-to-head against Tajikistan’s champions FC Istiklol. The game is set to be played on 1st October at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. The three points will be crucial for both sides to remain in contention to qualify from their group.

Istiklol are not easy opponents in any way. They are the thirteen-time Tajik League champions and have also won the Tajikistan Cup ten times. On the continental stage, they won the AFC President’s Cup in 2012 and have finished runners-up in the AFC Cup on two occasions.

Also Read: FC Goa third in AFC Champions League Two Group D after defeat against Al Zawraa in opener

Recent Performances

FC Istiklol are currently second in the Tajik League, two points behind the league leaders – Vaksh. The Lions have taken 34 points from 16 games, winning 10 games and drawing four. They have won their league every season since 2014.

On the continental stage, FC Istiklol had an underwhelming start to their AFC Champions League Two campaign. The Tajik football club lost 5-0 to Al Nassr at Al-Awwal Park stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane got on the scoresheet while Cristiano Ronaldo was not part of the squad.

The Headcoach

Former Tajikistan national team player Igor Cherevchenko is the manager of FC Istiklol at the moment. As a player, he spent most of his career playing in Russia for multiple clubs, including Lokomotiv Moscow, for whom he had a total of 123 appearances between 1996 and 2001.

In terms of his managerial career, Igor has managed Lokomotiv Moscow, Baltika Kaliningrad, Arsenal Tula, Khimki, and Fakel Voronezh aside from Istiklol. His first stint with the club came between 2023-24, while his current reign started on 4th October 2024.

Players to Watch

Ekhson Pandzhshanbe: The 26-year-old is versatile and can slot himself anywhere in the Istiklol midfield. He has 88 appearances for his club, in which he has scored 20 goals and provided 23 assists for his teammates. On the international scene, Ekhson has 60 caps for the Tajikistan national team.

Alisher Dzhalilov: The 32-year-old is the captain of Istiklol and plays as their attacking midfielder. He has 100+ appearances for the club, in which he has scored 50+ goals. Aside from his current team, Alisher also has experience of playing in the Russian league.

Manuchekhra Dzhalilov: Besides these two, also keep an eye on their experienced striker, Manuchekhr Dzhalilov, who has scored 130+ goals for Istiklol. Dzhalilov has a wealth of experience playing in AFC competitions. He has made 50 appearances in AFC competition, scoring 17 goals and providing 3 assists.

What to Expect?

Istiklol are experienced campaigners in continental competitions. They have not missed a single season of Asian football since 2015 and should be calm and composed playing at their home.

Expect Istiklol to control most of the possession while FC Goa would have to make the most of their chances through counter attacks. The Tajik League side will be clear favourites but the Gaurs can surely spring a surprise if they get an early goal when the two sides meet on Wednesday.

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