Iain Ramsay has played a big role in the Azkals’ improvement in recent years and, after the Philippines defeated Fiji 3-2 in a friendly on Thursday, the midfielder speaks exclusively to the-AFC.com ahead of the crucial Group F encounter with the Central Asians at Manila’s Rizal Memorial Stadium.

What is the mood of the squad as the game with Tajikistan approaches?

We are one win away from qualifying for the Asian Cup, everybody is focused and there is a real buzz around the camp.

It was an entertaining 4-3 victory to the Philippines when the sides met last June. What do you remember about that match?

The atmosphere was intense, they had a big home crowd and made it very exciting to play at their home ground. It was a tough physical game with high intensity, we don’t expect anything different come March 27. We managed to beat them at their home and we plan to do the same in our final game.

The Central Asian nation guaranteed themselves a finish in the top two places in the group and with it secured a ticket for the Finals in the United Arab Emirates next year.

Islam Shamsiev gave his side the lead after just two minutes and Anton Zemlianukhin doubled the advantage just three minutes later in a game that had been held over from Matchday Three and played in neutral Korea Republic because of security issues.

Zemlianukhin then claimed his second and Kyrgyz Republic’s third three minutes after the hour mark before Vitalij Lux tapped in the fourth and Bekzhan Sagynbaev scored a fifth to move Kyrgyz Republic five points clear of Myanmar with just one game remaining.

Ahead of DPR Korea's crucial AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifier against Hong Kong on March 27, the-AFC.com spoke exclusively with national team player Ri Yong-jik to get his thoughts on the match and insights into the world of DPR Korea football.

What are your thoughts ahead of the final qualifier against Hong Kong?

We drew 1-1 away from home but had more of the ball and were attacking throughout, and in the end we just lacked a little luck. If we play as we are capable of we shouldn’t have any problems.

Is there a difference playing home and away?

In international football it is really different. At home the stadium is full with 50- or 60,000 fans, and they really get behind us. Speaking honestly, I think it’s the best home atmosphere in the world.

Krestinin’s side handed Myanmar a comprehensive 5-1 loss to guarantee themselves a top two finish with just one game remaining and with the Central Asian side due to face India in their final qualifying match on Tuesday, the head coach is now targeting pole position.

“We’re very happy with this win,” said Krestinin. “We have achieved qualification for the final stages of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 and this is the first time in the history of Kyrgyz football.

“I want to say thanks to all my players and staff, and to the fans who have always supported us in the important matches. We have been able to take the next step in the development of our football. The players and the country lived with the same dream: qualification for the Finals.”

Goals from Islam Shamsiev and Anton Zemlianukhin in the opening five minutes sent the Kyrgyz side on their way to an impressive win, with Zemlianukhin claiming a second before further goals from Vitalij Lux and Bekzhan Sagynbaev meant Kyaw Ko Ko’s goal was nothing more than a consolation for Myanmar.