Match Report
Al Zawra'a and Istiqlol Dushanbe went into the game level on 9 points, 2nd against 3rd in the table. The last five rounds placed Al Zawra'a no better than 17th for form, against 2nd in the standings. In league terms the two rates read 1.33/1.83 for Al Zawra'a and 1.17/2.17 for Istiqlol Dushanbe (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.43.
Istiqlol Dushanbe arrived on a run of four straight wins. Recent form was uneven: 6/15 points for Al Zawra'a, 12/15 for Istiqlol Dushanbe.
Al-Shaab Stadium staged the fixture, a ground that holds 20,000. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Al Zawra'a led 1-0 at the break, before 2 more goals closed it at 2-1.
Goal scorers
Al Zawra'a: Hasan Abdulkareem (7'), Ibrahim Tomiwa (53') · Istiqlol Dushanbe: Amirbek Dzhuraboev (64')
Key stats
Possession: Al Zawra'a 55% · Istiqlol Dushanbe 45% · Total shots: 9-9 · On target: 3-2 · Corners: 4-5