Tajikistan head coach Goran Stevanovic commended the skill and potential of Maldivian players following his team’s 3–0 win over the Maldives in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The match, played at the National Stadium in Malé, saw Tajikistan extend their lead at the top of the group with 10 points from four matches.

Despite the defeat, Stevanovic acknowledged that the Maldives played a stronger game compared to their earlier meeting in Tajikistan and created several scoring opportunities. He noted that his team’s early goal allowed them to control the tempo of the match and maintain pressure throughout.

The Serbian coach also praised several Maldivian attackers for their quality and technical ability, noting that some showed the potential to compete at higher levels internationally.

Tajikistan currently lead the group standings, followed by the Philippines in second place with eight points, while the Maldives and Timor-Leste remain without points.