Istiklol have strengthened their squad by signing four Tajikistan internationals ahead of the second half of the season.
All four players return to Tajikistan after spells abroad.
Ehson Panjshanbe has played in Uzbekistan, Iran and Malaysia. Shervoni Mabatshoev featured in Azerbaijan and Malaysia. Shahrom Samiev gained experience in Moldova, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Iraq. Alisher Shukurov has played in Georgia, Russia and Uzbekistan.
Even before the summer transfer window, Istiklol already had ten Tajikistan internationals in their squad. The latest arrivals further strengthen the club’s status as the national team’s core.
The recruitment serves several purposes.
Istiklol are aiming to retain the Tajikistan Higher League title. They also want to respond after their surprise exit from the Tajikistan Cup and mount a strong challenge in the AFC Challenge League later this year.
At the same time, head coach Vitaliy Levchenko is building a settled group of national team players ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Eight Istiklol players were included in Tajikistan’s June squad: Mukhriddin Khasanov, Tabrez Islomov, Alijon Karomatullozoda, Sodiqjon Qurbonov, Alisher Jalilov, Amirbek Juraboev, Muhammadjon Rahimov and Daler Sharipov. Manuchekhr Safarov and Rustam Soirov missed the camp through injury.
With the four new signings, Levchenko now has 14 current or recent Tajikistan internationals at his disposal. The squad also includes Khusrav Toirov, who has previously represented the national team.
Istiklol went into the mid-season break unbeaten and top of the table. However, Regar-TadAZ and Khosilot remain within touching distance.
The AFC Challenge League begins this autumn. Istiklol are targeting the trophy and promotion to the AFC Champions League Two. A deeper squad will be essential as they compete on both domestic and continental fronts.
The club also retain a strong foreign contingent. Russian goalkeeper Denis Kavlinov, Ukrainians Ivan Zotko and Dmytro Bilonog, and Croatians Frane Ikić, Josip Tomašević and Frane Ćirjak all remain with the squad. Russian striker Luka Zgursky has already departed.
Free agents Vahdat Khanonov, Amadoni Kamolov and Sheriddin Boboev remain available. All three are regular members of Igor Angelovski’s Tajikistan national team squad.