a shock given Myanmar's poor form in early games, thus putting Tajikistan into trouble. Ultimately, with the withdrawal of North Korea, Tajikistan paid dearly when its points against Mongolia were not counted, thus following Tajikistan 1–4 away loss to Japan, an Asian powerhouse, Tajikistan was officially out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Eventually, despite Myanmar replacing Mongolia to finish bottom thus added six points for Tajikistan, the Tajiks could not reduce the deficit due to poor goal difference and thus missed out on the final round. After failing to have a direct spot for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, Tajikistan hired German-Croatian manager Petar Segrt, and Tajikistan took part in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification – Third Round, joining with old foes Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan, as well as another Southeast Asian rival Singapore. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the third round was played only in a single round-robin group format with a centralised host, which Tajikistan's group saw its neighbour Kyrgyzstan hosting it. Tajikistan was able to take advantage from this proximity and defeated both Myanmar (4–0) and Singapore (1–0), before holding neighbour Kyrgyzstan in a goalless draw, topping the group and, after failing in five previous attempts, Tajikistan was able to qualify to its first-ever AFC Asian Cup in 2023. Tajikistan won the 2022 edition of King's Cup in Thailand, defeating Malaysia. Team image Kit In September 2017, Tajikistan's kit was supplied by Chinese sporting apparel company Li-Ning. In 2022, Tajikistan switched to having their kit supplied by Italian sporting apparel company Macron. Home stadium Tajikistan play their home matches at the Pamir Stadium Results and fixtures 2022 2023 Coaching staff Coaching history Caretaker managers are listed in italics. Sharif Nazarov (1992–1994) Vladimir Ghulamhaydarov (1994–1995) Abdulla Muradov (1996) Zair Babayev (1997–1998) Sharif Nazarov (1999) Salahiddin Ghafurov (2000–2002) Sharif Nazarov (2003) Zair Babayev (2004) Sharif Nazarov (2004–2006) Mahmadjan Habibullayev (2007) Pulad Qadirov (2008–2011) Alimjan Rafiqov (2011–2012) Kemal Alispahić (2012) Nikola Kavazović (2012–2013) Mubin Ergashev (2013) Muhsin Muhammadiyev (2013–2015) Mubin Ergashev (2015–2016) Hakim Fuzaylov (2016–2018) Alisher Tuhtayev (2018) Usmon Toshev (2018–2021) Mubin Ergashev (2021) Petar Segrt (2022–present) Players Current squad The following players were called for Tajikistan's friendly match against Russia 17 November 2022. Caps and goals updated as of 17 November 2022, after the match against Malaysia. Recent call ups The following players have been called up during the past 12 months. RET INJ Withdrew due to injury RET