Three Istiklol players to watch in AFC Champions League Two match against FC Goa

Manuchekhr Dzhalilov is Istiklol’s all-time top goalscorer with 93 goals

The 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two campaign has begun as 32 teams compete for glory. Indian Super League club FC Goa have been pooled alongside Al Nassr, FC Istiklol, and Al Zawraa in Group D.

After going down 2-0 to Al Zawraa in matchday one, FC Goa’s next challenge will come against FC Istiklol on 1st October at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. Istiklol too lost their opening game 5-0 to Al Nassr, hence this will be an important fixture for both clubs.

The Tajik League club brings with them a wealth of experience, playing in continental competition. Hence, this will surely be a tough fixture to navigate for the Gaurs. Housing quite a few matchwinners in their ranks, here are three Istiklol players who will be a menace and can get all three points for their club on Wednesday.

Players to Watch out for

Manuchekhr Dzhalilov

The 35-year-old is a Tajikistan national team veteran and primarily plays as a centre-forward. Manuchekhr Dzhalilov started his professional career with Lokomotiv Moscow’s second team in 2009 and has since also represented Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, Sriwijaya FC and Persebaya Surabaya.

Dzhalilov has made 155 appearances for Istiklol in his two separate stints for the club. Overall, he has scored 93 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. While the striker had a quiet 2024-25 season by his standards, he would be looking to turn it around, starting with the game against FC Goa.

On the international stage, Dzhalilov has scored 22 goals in 50 appearances for the Tajikistan national football team. To add to this, the striker is a seven-time Tajik League champion and has also finished as the highest scorer in the league on multiple occasions.

Alisher Dzhalilov

The 32-year-old is the captain of Istiklol and has been a part of the team since 2019. Alisher Dzhalilov had a short stint with AGMK in 2022 before returning to the Tajik club in 2023. The player has also represented Rubin Kazan, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, and Baltika Kaliningrad in the past.

Alisher Dzhalilov primarily plays as an attacking midfielder but can also slot in as a winger. In 132 appearances for FC Istiklol, the player has scored 53 goals and provided 20 assists for his teammates. Dzhalilov has also captained the Tajikistan national team and has 34 appearances on the international stage.

In terms of personal honours, Alisher has won the Tajik League five times with Istiklol and was also given the Tajikistan player of the year award in 2019 and 2021. He was also the Tajik League’s top scorer in 2023.

Ekhson Pandzhshanbe

The 26-year-old is a Tajikistan national team midfielder who mainly operates in central midfield but can drift into attacking or defensive roles. He began his senior club career with FC Istiklol in 2016 before also playing for Navbahor Namangan, Zob Ahan and Sogdiana.

Overall, in his three stints at Istiklol, he has logged 103 appearances and scored 26 goals, providing close to 30 assists. On the international stage, Pandzhshanbe has earned 60 caps for Tajikistan and scored 7 goals for his national team.Ekhson’s honours’ list includes five Tajik League titles. He has also won the 2022 King’s Cup with his national team. With age on his side, the midfielder can still improve his game and potentially become one of the best players to come out of his country.

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