With every day that passes by, it is becoming clear that coronavirus is here for the long run. The numbers of infected cases worldwide is rising, as well as death cases as a result of the pandemic.
Despite these facts, in Tajikistan, professional football has been played today.
The two biggest clubs in the country, Istiklol and Khujand FK, completed the league’s first matchday after resting from the Tajik Supercup match between the two sides on Saturday. The match ended in a 2-1 victory for Istiklol.
CSKA Dushanbe - Khujand FK
The disappointed Khujand boosted their spirits with a 3-1 away victory over CSKA Dushanbe from the capital. Andrey Sidorov scored the first goal for the Supercup runner-ups in the 45th minute, and Khurshed Beknazarov doubled the lead 18 minutes later.
It looked like an easy win for Khujand, but Shodibek Gafforov intensified the atmosphere on the pitch as he scored on the 76th minute. Luckily for the Khujandiees, they got a penalty deep in extra time. Manoucher Akhmedov converted the spot-kick, made it 1-3 to the visitors and Khujand are starting the season with a significant victory away from home.
FC Dushanbe-83 - Istiklol
If there’s a reason Emomali Rahmon, the Tajik president, is insisting on continuing playing football - is Istiklol. It’s literally his club, as he is one of the founders. After resuming their never-ending winning streak in the local scene on Saturday, Istiklol opened the league in style as well.
Vahid Orazsakhedov went up first on the scoresheet on the 18th minute, while Manuchehr Jalilov scored a tremendous volley only nine minutes later. The score at the end of the first half was 2-0.
Istiklol didn’t take their foot off the gas, and in the 46th minute another player with the last name of Jalilov - Alisher, nailed the third goal for the champions. 3-0.
Heavy rain started pouring and created a unique atmosphere in Dushanbe, as Istiklol won a free kick from a tight angle in the left side of the box, 18 meters from goal. Manuchehr Jalilov was accurate again, and in a Sinisa Mihajlovic style, sent the ball to the top corner and shook up the net. 4-0!
Four minutes later, it was obvious that this was Jalilov’s day as he completed a hat-trick. 5-0 and it started to look embarrassing for Dushanbe-83.
Istiklol added another goal on the 82nd minute, and another on the 90th for a grand 7-0 victory.
The world is changing, football is slowly disappearing, but Istiklol reigns over Tajik football with complete dominance.
Some things will never change, not even during the COVID-19 era.