The game, held on January 27, ended with a score of 2:4 in favor of the Iraqi team, although the Kyrgyz team started the match successfully, opening the scoring at 1:0.
“I am proud of my guys; they fought until the last moment and did everything possible. There was not a single indifferent player in the team,” the coach noted.
“Our start was good; we scored from a set piece. I am confident that our game plan was correct, as we had opportunities to equalize and even snatch a victory. However, unfortunately, we failed to convert our chances. We planned to use our goalkeeper in attacking actions, which was supposed to create additional opportunities. He handled this task, but the outcome was not in our favor,” Jetibaev added.
After the team conceded the second goal, they managed to get back into the game, but soon conceded again from a set piece. In an attempt to restore balance in a 5-on-4 format, the Kyrgyz team was unsuccessful.
“I want to emphasize that the team plays as the head coach has taught them, and I fully take responsibility. I am ready to answer for the results of the national team. After returning home, I will be happy to meet with you and answer all questions about the situation and the players who did not make the squad,” he concluded. Jetibaev also added that, as a former player of the national team, he understands the difficulties athletes face when being far from their families. “In this tournament, all responsibility lies with me,” the coach’s words are conveyed by the Futsal Association of the Kyrgyz Republic.
