The first chance of the match fell Istiklol’s way when skipper Fatkhullo Fatkhulloev exchanged a one-two with Ruslan Koryan before trying a curled finish from close range, but the Tajik midfielder failed to open his body enough and his strike ended up too central.
Fatkhulloev was again at the centre of Istiklol’s attacking play, delivering a whipped cross from a set-piece for Jalil Kimsanov who failed to direct his header from close range.
The hosts’ dominance continued and Koryan tested the goalkeeper from a direct free-kick, but Davit Kupatadze was alert to the danger and tipped it behind for a corner.
Khujand’s Georgian goalkeeper found himself under pressure again, but responded to Fatkhulloev’s shot from distance with a fine reflex save to keep the scores level.
Playing their first-ever AFC Cup group stage match after two previous appearances at the play-off stage, Khujand offered very little in the way of attacking play, but they remained solid at the back, holding their more experienced opponents to a draw until the break.
The visitors’ defences finally caved in five minutes after the restart, and it was Koryan who found a way in for Istiklol. The striker saw his initial effort blocked by the defence, before following through on the half-volley to hand the Dushanbe-based side the lead.
Going behind finally prompted Khujand to take more risks and their first real opportunity came six minutes after the goal.
Bakhtiar Choriev delivered a long pass from a set-piece near the halfway line, but the header of defender Firdavs Chakalov was saved by Istiklol goalkeeper Nikola Stosic.
Khujand suffered a blow after defender Davronjon Ergashev brought down substitute Muhammadjon Rahimov inside the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty kick at the hour mark.
Alisher Dzhalilov stepped up and drilled home Istiklol’s second of the night from the spot.
The hosts heaped more misery on their opponents within three minutes of the second goal as Dzhalilov turned from scorer to creator.
Istiklol’s number 10 crossed for Koryan to sweep home his second and his side’s third of the night and put the tie beyond any doubt.
Istiklol travel to the Turkmen capital Ashgabat to face Altyn Asyr, the side that knocked them out of the competition last year. Meanwhile, Khujand will play their first-ever home match in the group stage against FC Dordoi on April 17.
