Istiklol thrilled much of Asia with their sensational run to the 2021 AFC Champions League knockout stage, but it was clear from early on they would face a difficult test in front of more than 20,000 fans in Khujand.

 

The league champions carved out a promising early opportunity when Manuchehr Dzhalilov put Rustam Soirov through on goal, but Daler Barotov positioned himself well to keep the ball out, while Istiklol custodian Shohrukh Qirgizboev made a number of saves to keep the sides deadlocked at half-time.

Despite several close calls, neither side managed to find a match winning breakthrough in 90 minutes, and it was Khujand who went to another gear in extra time.

 

The game swung on a key moment in the 105th minute, when Qirizboev spilled a free-kick delivery directly into the path of Ziyoev, who made no mistake from close range to give Khujand the lead.

The hosts put the game beyond doubt when they doubled their advantage In the 117th minute, with Russian striker Serdyuk making the most of the space he was granted by the Istiklol defence to slam home a close range volley.

 

Khujand’s win strengthens their claim as the third most successful club in Tajikistan Cup history, while the attendance of 20,700 is believed to be the largest for a final since Pamir defeated Regar-TadAZ in the very first post-independence cup final back in 1992.

Photos: FC Khujand