India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup 2025, AS IT HAPPENED: India kicked off their CAFA Nations Cup 2025 journey with a 2-1 win over hosts Tajikistan at the Hisor
Central Stadium on August 29. It was a dream start for new coach Khalid Jamil, as Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhingan struck within the first 12 minutes to give the Blue Tigers control.
Tajikistan hit back through Shahrom Samiev in the 22nd minute and piled on pressure in the second half, even earning a penalty. But goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's brilliant save preserved India's lead and secured a winning debut.
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Drawn in a tough group alongside Iran and Afghanistan, India will hope to put up a spirited performance against the home side before tackling their other formidable opponents.
For the Blue Tigers, the CAFA Nations Cup is more than just a new tournament-it is a vital opportunity to reset after recent disappointments. India are currently struggling in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign, sitting at the bottom of their group following two defeats. With a crucial double-header against Singapore awaiting in October, Jamil's men will look to use this platform to restore confidence, sharpen their defensive organisation, and rediscover their winning touch.
The challenge will be steep, however. Tajikistan enter the contest in strong form, unbeaten in their last three games and joint leaders in their Asian Cup qualifying pool alongside the Philippines. Playing at home, they will be brimming with confidence and determined to continue their positive run.
Despite the odds, there is a sense of renewed optimism in the Indian camp. Jamil has introduced several younger players into the setup, giving the squad fresh energy and competition for places. For these youngsters, the tournament doubles up as a proving ground to cement their positions in the national side ahead of more demanding fixtures later this year.
Friday's clash promises to be a stern test for India, but also a chance to measure themselves against a rising Central Asian side. With the hosts in form and the visitors desperate to turn their fortunes around, the stage is set for an engaging contest that could set the tone for India's campaign under their new coach.
India Squad for CAFA Nations Cup
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais.
Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh.
Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (Jr.), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh Head Coach: Khalid Jamil.
