The head coach of the national team of Turkmenistan Mergen Orazov commented on the defeat of his wards by the team of Uzbekistan (0:2) in the match of the second round of the Cup of Nations of the Central Asian Football Association - CAFA Nations Cup–2023.

— In the first half there was an equal game. In the second leg of the meeting, we missed an annoying goal: the defenders misunderstood each other a little, and the opponents immediately took advantage of this. For such seemingly insignificant mistakes in football, they are often punished. We didn't have enough concentration, but after the first goal we conceded, the guys stepped up in attack and created several dangerous moments, having very good chances to even the score. I had to open up a little and this led to counterattacks by the Uzbek national team," the head coach of the national team told ORIENT.

We didn't deserve the second goal: the opponents scored due to a violation of the rules. In general, the guys played well, progress is visible, the players are beginning to understand tactical tasks, adding with each game. This is the most important thing at this stage of our preparation for the qualifying games.

The coach also explained the absence of the best scorer of the current draw of the top league of Turkmenistan, Didar Durdyyev , in the national team:

— As for the squad, I can say one thing: when choosing players for each game, the physical readiness of a football player and certain qualities of athletes for performing tactical tasks and a plan for the match are taken into account. According to these criteria, the composition for each meeting is selected.

To get out of the group, the Turkmen team needs to defeat the national team of Oman, and hope that Uzbekistan will not lose to Tajikistan.

— Now the next opponent, the Oman team, is being debriefed. We will study and train the guys based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. The players are improving with every game. We hope that everything will be successful for our national team with Oman.

The match of the final round of the group stage of the CAFA-2023 Nations Cup between the national teams of Turkmenistan and Oman will be held on June 17.

Artur PETROSYANTS