December 15 - Today, Soccer Daily posted an article about Tajikistan, the first opponent of the Asian Cup.
Tajikistan, the first opponent in the Asian Cup, recently announced a 27-man training roster, after the 24 who made the cut on Nov. 36, with new defender Imonazarov, midfielder Shukurov and Tusunov.
Tajikistan has achieved continuous youth training results in recent years. Croatian-born coach Šegot is committed to rejuvenation. In the list there are only defenders A. Nazarov, K. Nazarov and midfielder A. Galilov over 30 years of age, and 12 players under 23 years of age, 8 of them under 21.
There are as many as 10 study abroad players on the list, with strikers Soylov, Samiev, midfield stalwarts Umarbayev and A. Juraboev all playing abroad, and only Kamolov, Pan Ishambet and veteran A. Galilov playing for domestic giants Dushanbe Independence, who are also getting training in this year's AFC Champions League. Dushanbe Independence has 10 players on the roster and is the backbone of Tajikistan's foundation.
In addition, Tajikistan has four naturalized Russian players, veteran midfielder A. Galilov, who plays for the Russian state in the U17-U21 age group and was naturalized four years ago, and key midfielder Umarbayev, who plays for the Russian youth U18 state and completed his naturalization eight years ago.
