They had tried and failed for every continental Finals since, and Šegrt’s men finally completed the mission in Bishkek, with their tally of seven points from three games enough to win the group, edging out the hosts on goal difference despite Kyrgyz Republic having the best of the chances on Tuesday.

 

A former boss of Georgia, Maldives and Afghanistan, Šegrt will now go down in Tajik football lore as the head coach who guided the national team to Asia’s biggest stage, and he was delighted to seal the deal as group winners.

“I congratulate the Tajikistan players, and everybody, for this fantastic qualification,” said the Croatian boss. “I think both teams deserve to qualify. Kyrgyz Republic were very good, but we are better, because we were first (in the group). This is most important, to be first.

 

“The biggest compliments go to the Tajikistan supporters, the Tajikistan people and everybody who works in the federation. The staff, players and coaches were all fantastic, and we are all very satisfied.

“Before the game both teams were qualified. There was a fantastic atmosphere here in the stadium because Kyrgyz supporters were very good, and we are very happy that we are first. This is the most important thing for me at the moment. We played today, for a draw or a win, but we tried to be first.”

With the uncertainty of the Qualifiers now out of the way, Tajikistan can look ahead to the Finals, where Šegrt said he would like to cross paths with Kyrgyz Republic again.

 

“We are young in Tajikistan, very young, and Kyrgyz Republic are a strong team with a very good coach,” he declared.

 

“I hope next time we see them will be in the Asian Cup, maybe in the quarter-final or something.”

Earlier on Tuesday Singapore completed their Group F commitments with a rousing 6-2 victory over Myanmar, with a superb hat-trick from Ikhsan Fandi the highlight.

Out of contention following defeats to Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, Singapore ended their stay in Bishkek on a high according to Ikhsan, who was unsurprisingly voted Player of the Match.

 

“First and foremost, it’s important that we got the win,” said the 23-year-old BG Pathum United striker, who also registered an assist on Tuesday. “I think even though we are leaving Kyrgyz Republic out of the competition, we are leaving with a good feeling and on a good note, and it’s always good to score goals for my country.

 

“We did pretty well. We managed to fight against two teams that are much higher than us in the FIFA Ranking. Of course, the feeling is not good, but we need to get back and do better next time.”

Photos: Kyrgyz Football Union