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| AFC Challenge Cup |
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| Tajiks downplay Challenge Cup chances |
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| Tajikistan clinched the title two years back |
ILOILO CITY: Defending champions Tajikistan, with 18 players from the squad which lifted the inaugural title two years ago, are heavily favoured to advance to the main competition from Group B of the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 qualifiers.
Tajikistan, who clinched the title in 2006 after defeating Sri Lanka in the final, will take on Bhutan in the opener at the Barotac Nuevo Football Plaza while hosts Philippines face Brunei at the Iloilo Sports Complex.
Despite being favourites to win this group, Tajikistan head coach Pulod Kodirov was rather modest in his expectations this time, saying all four teams have equal chances of making it to the tournament proper, which will be held in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad from July 30 to August 10.
Speaking through an interpreter, Kodirov said that while his team has been preparing hard for the tournament, the Philippines, Bhutan and Brunei Darussalam are just as ready to give them a challenge.
"Everyone came here for one purpose and that is to qualify," said Kodirov, whose team will be led by skipper Irgashev Odil and Lokomotiv Moscow player Nurloin Davornov. "We expect a tough challenge"
Philippine coach Norman Fegidero believes Tajikistan stand in the way of their qualification hopes.
"Tajikistan is very strong, physically and tactically," said Fegidero, a national player for 12 years until 2001.
"We will try our best to keep up with them".
The Philippines-Tajikistan showdown on May 15 could pretty well determine the top team here, barring any upset on the opening day.
Fegidero has recalled top striker Phil Younghusband, a member of the English giants Chelsea’s reserves. The 20-year-old Younghusband was the top scorer in the Asean Football Championship qualifiers in Bacolod two years ago, scoring six goals in four matches.
The squad, which trained for two months, also welcomed the inclusion of Fulham FC reserve ’keeper Neil Etheridge, who is expected to make his international debut in the tournament.
Brunei, ranked 189, and Bhutan , at 197, have called on foreign coaches for this tournament in a bid to strengthen its squads. Brunei has tapped Kwon Oh Son, while Bhutan has summoned Koji Gyotoku.
Brunei captain Ak Mohd Kamarul Raiffin said his team prepared for over a month and hoped to avenge its 1-4 loss to the Philippines in the Asean Championship qualifiers.
Bhutan manager Dinesh Chhetri, meanwhile, warned Tajikistan not to be overconfident, hinting that his team was capable of pulling off a surprise.
Bhutan are spearheaded by striker Wangay Dorji of the Royal Bhutan Police and Passang Tshering of Transport United.
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