Our aim is to qualify for the final stage of the World Cup qualifiers, says Tajik youngster Ehson Panjshanbe

The 20-year-old also praised the qualities of the Blue Tigers on his visit to India for the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019.

The ongoing second edition of the Hero Intercontinental Cup has seen the emergence of central Asian side Tajikistan. The Persion Lions stole the limelight as they defeated hosts India and Syria in the first two games and have already reached the final of the tournament with a game to spare. Although, a young side, the Tajik gameplay has caught the attention of many and they are being regarded as the favorites to win the competition this year.

Khel Now had the opportunity to sit down for an exclusive chat with the visitors' youngster Ehson Panjshanbe, who spoke his heart out about the Hero Intercontinental Cup, the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and football in his country among other things. Excerpts:

Q1. How do you feel to be in India for the Intercontinental Cup?

A- The atmosphere in this tournament is really good. The hospitality here is great and I'm feeling good since we are winning the matches. So, the feeling is very good so far.

Q2. What is the team's target for the tournament?

A- The tournament is really important for us going into the World Cup qualifying stages. The main aim is to have good practice against quality opposition and each team wants to become the champion. It could be great if we become a champion.

Q3. The Indian national team has been on the rise in recent years. Having played them recently what is your assessment of their quality?

A- This is the first time we are playing the Indian national team. The team is really good. They have great players who can change the course of the game at any point in time and in the first half, you could see the quality they possess.

Q4. Usmon Toshev has taken over the national side recently. Tell us a few things he is trying to do?

A- The main thing the coach wants to implement in the team is to play short passes, quick, short passes and that's what we are trying to achieve.

Q5. What are the realistic targets for the team in the World Cup Qualifiers?

A- The main aim is to qualify for the final stages of the qualifiers and after that, we'll see what we can achieve.

Q6. You had previously played against another Indian opposition when you played Bengaluru FC in the AFC Cup. What was your assessment of their level and would you rate them as the best team in India?

A- Bengaluru FC is a quality side. They didn't give us an easy ride when we faced them in the AFC Cup. But, I can't say they are the best team in India or not since we played only one side.

Q7. Your thoughts on the future of football in Tajikistan?

A- We feel and we see that our football federation is trying hard to improve football in Tajikistan. The improvement is there and we see our youth team qualifying for the Asian Cup and our U-17 team also qualified for the World Cup. As time passes by, you will see big results because our nation is very talented in football. We are not a big nation and our population is just around nine million, but people here love football.

In the previous time, the Soviet Union time, we had teams which were really strong. During 1985-88 our team could beat Syria at their home 0-5. We also defeated Iran in Tehran 0-1 in front of 100, 000 people in the stadium. That generation of football players was really strong. But, in the year 1991, we had a civil war which lasted up to the year 1997. During that period many players and coaches left our country. Now, we are trying to improve it and in the next 10-15 years, you'll see we will be one of the biggest footballing nations in the world.

Q8. At such a young age you've captained the Olympic team. Do you see yourself as the captain of the senior squad in the future?

A- Why not? If the opportunity comes I'll be happy to accept it. We have a captain now and we respect him, but if given a chance I'll accept it.

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Q9. Tell us about winning the Tajikistan Player of the Year 2018? That must be special?

A- To win Tajikistan Player of the Year was really special. But, I don't want to stop. I want to improve with each passing day and give the best for my club and country.