Boris Podkorytov (gazeta.kg)

DHAKA: It would be a conflict of two old friends and similar style when Tajikistan clash neighbours Kyrgyzstan in the second semifinal of the inaugural AFC Challenge Cup at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Thursday.

Kyrgyzstan coach Boris Podkorytov and his Tajikistan counterpart Sharif Nazarov know each other for a long time but when the two masterminds are to clash in a football field, the friendship begins only after the match.

Tajikistan, who demolished hosts Bangladesh 6-1 in the quarterfinal, would be seeking revenge of their solitary goal loss to Kyrgyzstan in the group stage to seal a place in the final.

But both teams are peaking at the right moment and Kyrgyzstan are also on a high after eliminating sentimental favourites Palestine with a stoppage-time goal in the quarterfinal.

"Our plan is to go all the way and we have prepared well. It's football and tomorrow, we will try to show our best," said Tajikistan coach Nazarov, who had rested several key players during the group game against their central Asian neighbours.

"The big win against Bangladesh was another game. But the confidence is high because we have come this far. Now we want to qualify for the final.

"Boris is an old friend and so are the people of Kyrgyzstan. I want good luck against Kyrgyzstan," added Nazarov, who has his full squad available for the semifinal.

Podkorytov, who took charge of the team shortly before the tournament, said happy that his side have recovered after losing the opening match to Pakistan.

"Although we have beaten them in this tournament, Tajikistan are a very strong team. But I have faith in my side and I think my boys will rise to the challenge," Podkorytov told.

"There are a few minor injuries but I am hopeful every one would be fit for the game. I have watched Tajikistan play Bangladesh and the result says about the strength of Tajikistan," he added.