Tajikistan came away with a goalless draw from their first-ever AFC Asian Cup game, but they would be disappointed not to have secured a win. Petar Segrt’s side had China on the ropes, especially in the first half, in their Group A opener at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday. Tajikistan had 12 shots to China’s three, enjoyed more possession, but the goal remained elusive.
Hosts Qatar are expected to top Group A and they started their campaign with 3-0 win over Lebanon. The race for the second spot is basically between Tajikistan and China, and from that perspective, the stalemate today kept the group wide open.
Tajikistan came close to scoring on 26 minutes, when Alisher Dzhalilov’s low shot narrowly missed the target. Another effort from Dzhalilov four minutes later stretched Chinese goalkeeper Yan Junling. China responded through a Wang Qiuming snap-shot, but a brilliant block from Menucheckhr Safarov denied him.
Tajikistan continued with the momentum in the second half until Aleksandar Jankovic, the China coach, tweaked things to snatch the advantage. As the game wore on, his team took command. A goal-line clearance from Zoir Dzhuraboev denied Liu Binbin. On 82 minutes, Zhu Chenjie headed home, but VAR disallowed the goal.
Tajikistan now face Qatar at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday, while China take on Lebanon at Al Thumama Stadium.
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