India opened their account by beating Tajikistan at their home ground. This is also the first match of Newly appointed coach Khalid Jamil. Here are the details of the match.
CAFA Nations Cup 2025 – Group B, Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor, Tajikistan – 29 August 2025
First Half Highlights
- 5′ — Anwar Ali opens the scoring: India stunned the hosts early through set-piece improvisation. Debutant Mohammed Uvais launched a long throw-in that sparked a scramble in the box. Anwar Ali’s looping header—despite deflection and defensive pressure—found the net .
- 13′ — Sandesh Jhingan doubles the lead: Following an Anwar Ali delivery, Rahul Bheke’s header was initially saved by the Tajik goalkeeper, but Jhingan was quick to react and tapped in from close range .
- 23′ — Shahrom Samiev pulls one back: Tajikistan responded when Samiev capitalized on a lapse in the defense, coolly slotting past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu .
India entered the break with a 2–1 lead, having struck early and held firm until halftime.
Second Half & Crucial Moments
- Penalty Save by Gurpreet: In the 71st minute, a penalty was awarded to Tajikistan following a foul on Rustam Soirov. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, named captain for the match, dived to his right and made a vital save—even though the ball traveled centrally—using his long leg to block it .
- Late Defensive Resilience: Tajikistan pushed hard in stoppage time, but Gurpreet produced two more outstanding saves—one from Nuriddin Khamrokulov at close range and another from a Vahdat Hanonov header—ensuring India held firm through eight minutes of added time .
Tactical Overview
- India’s Defensive Solidity: Coach Khalid Jamil’s defensive setup, marshaled by Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhingan, proved pivotal. Their early set-piece goals were followed by disciplined defending under pressure .
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: Man of the Match: The goalkeeper’s command in the box, crucial saves—including a penalty stop—and overall composure were match-defining .
- Strong Start for Jamil Era: This match marked the beginning of Khalid Jamil’s tenure as India’s head coach. A debut win away from home, under pressure and against a higher-ranked opponent, has stirred optimism .
Significance & Aftermath
- Breaking a Long Drought: This was India’s first victory over Tajikistan in 17 years and their first competitive win since November 2023 .
- Boost for the Blue Tigers: The result not only provides three crucial points in the group but also sets a positive tone for India’s campaign—and for Jamil’s leadership moving forward .
Summary Table
Category Details Final Score India 2–1 Tajikistan Goal Scorers Anwar Ali (5′), Sandesh Jhingan (13′); Shahrom Samiev (23′) Key Moment Gurpreet’s penalty save (71′) Match Turning Point India’s early brace and Gurpreet’s heroics Broader Impact First win under new coach Jamil; ending long winless streaks
Heartiest congratulations to our 🇮🇳 football teams on scripting history!
✅ The Senior Men’s Team registered our first-ever win on Tajik soil, defeating them after 17 years in our CAFA debut.
✅ The U17 Women emerged as SAFF Champions.
✅ The Senior Women qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time (participated in 2003 as an invitational team & in 2022 as hosts)
✅ The U20 Women secured AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup qualification after 20 years.
A truly proud moment for #IndianFootball ⚽🇮🇳