Preliminary Stage 2: AGMK FC 4-2 FC Istiklol

Almalyk: Uzbekistan’s AGMK FC twice came back from a goal down to power to a 4-2 win over FC Istiklol of Tajikistan in a 2019 AFC Champions League Preliminary Stage 2 tie at the AGMK Stadium on Tuesday.

Muhammadjon Rahimov gave Istiklol a second minute lead but Dilshod Juraev’s header ensured AGMK entered the half-time break level.

Istiklol went ahead once again in the 62nd minute, only for AGMK to turn on the power with three goals in 10 minutes, courtesy of Sanat Shikhov, Jasurbek Khakimov and Zafar Polvonov.

AGMK will now meet Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr in the playoffs on February 19.

Despite playing on AGMK’s home turf, seven-time Tajikistan champions Istiklol took the lead as early as the second minute through Rahimov’s effort.

The host, however, were unfazed by the early deficit and played with confidence, pushing Istiklol back and eventually found the equaliser through Juraev's 25th minute header.

The back-and-forth encounter continued in the second half, but it was Istiklol who broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute through substitute Jalil Kimsanov.

AGMK head coach Mirdjalal Kasimov then called upon Gulom-Haydar Gulyamov and Khakimov in the 68th minute, but it was midfielder Sanat Shikhov who drew them level four minutes later.

Khakimov proved his worth in the 78th minute when his goal put AGMK ahead, before Zafar Polvonov etched his name on the scoresheet in the 82nd minute, sealing an emphatic victory and a place in the playoff stage.Source: the-afc.com