Kuala Lumpur: FC Istiklol have warmed up perfectly for the AFC Cup Inter-Zone Play-off Finals against Bengaluru FC by winning the Tajik League for the fourth consecutive season.
FC Istiklol beat FC Panjshir 5-0 on Monday to build an unassailable nine-point lead at the top of the standings.
Clinching the title - the sixth time they have emerged champions - with three matches to spare means FC Istiklol can now turn their attention to winning the AFC Cup for the first time.
Runners-up in 2015, FC Istiklol host the first leg of the Inter-Zone Play-off final on September 27 with the return leg scheduled on October 7.
The winners from the Inter-Zone Play-off final will face either reigning champions Air Force Club of Iraq or Al Wahda of Syria in the final.
Al Wahda won the first leg of the West Zone final 2-1.The return leg is on September 26.
Source: fc-istiklol.tj
Source: the-afc.com