Dushanbe/Patiala, August 30 (Sports Desk)
The Indian men’s football team kicked off the Khalid Jamil era with a 2-1 triumph against Tajikistan in their opening match of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 at Hisor Central Stadium, Dushanbe, on Saturday. Defenders Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhingan scored in the first half, while goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s penalty save in the second half secured the win for world No. 133 India against the 106th-ranked Tajikistan. This marked India’s first victory over Tajikistan in 17 years.
Despite Tajikistan dominating possession early on, India proved more threatening in attack. Ashique Kuruniyan nearly set up Lallianzuala Chhangte with a dangerous cross, but Tajikistan cleared the danger. India took the lead in the fifth minute when Muhammad Uvais’ long throw led to Anwar Ali’s header, which was initially cleared off the line. However, Anwar capitalized on Tajikistan’s failure to clear the ball, nodding in another header to make it 1-0.
Eight minutes later, India doubled their lead through another throw-in. Uvais and Chhangte combined, and Uvais delivered a slightly overhit cross. Anwar Ali recovered to send a precise ball to Rahul Bheke, whose powerful header was parried by the goalkeeper, but Sandesh Jhingan pounced on the rebound to score from close range, making it 2-0.
watch……ICC and Google Unite: A New Era for Women’s Cricket
Tajikistan responded in the 23rd minute through Shahrom Samiev, who outmaneuvered Jhingan and slotted the ball into the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Anwar Ali had a chance to restore India’s two-goal lead soon after, but his volley was saved by the Tajikistan goalkeeper. India’s defense held firm, taking a 2-1 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Tajikistan pressed for an equalizer, forcing Gurpreet Singh Sandhu into multiple saves within the first 10 minutes. His heroics continued, notably in the 72nd minute when he denied Rustam Soirov’s penalty kick, preserving India’s lead. Substitute Mahesh Singh Naorem nearly sealed the game in the 86th minute with a long-range shot that forced a corner. Tajikistan’s final chance came in injury time, but Vahdat Hanonov’s header went off target.
India, known as the Blue Tigers, will face world No. 20 Islamic Republic of Iran in their next CAFA Nations Cup match on Monday.
