Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dushanbe: FC Istiklol General Manager Murod Uramov has vowed that the 2012 AFC President's Cup final stage hosts will go all out to ensure the coveted trophy remains in Tajikistan when the curtain comes down on this year's edition of the tournament for developing nations.
Istiklol have been placed in Group A alongside two-time AFC President's Cup champions Dordoi and last year's runners-up Phnom Penh Crown while Group B consists of current holders Taiwan Power Company, tournament debutants Al Amma'ri from Palestine and Pakistan's KRL.
"I'm satisfied with the draw result," Uramov remarked following Tuesday's official draw at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dushanbe.
"All six teams have an equal chance to challenge for the title but for us, as the team from the hosting country, we have to try our best to ensure trophy remains here in Tajikistan. From now on, our team will train harder to achieve this goal."
Istikol are looking to continue Tajikistan's proud record in the tournament with clubs from the Central Asian republic having contested the trophy four occasions, with Regar TadAZ winning a record three times (2005, 2008 and 2009) and Vaksh finishing runners-up in 2006.