India Vs Tajikistan Highlights, CAFA Nations Cup 2025: Khalid Jamil’s Blue Tigers Roar Past Lions With 2-1 Win

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of India vs Tajikistan in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. Kick-off is at 9:00 PM IST, so stay tuned as we bring you all the action, updates, and key moments from this clash.

One can watch the India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup 2025 match on the Fancode app and website.

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwar

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvai

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

India and Tajikistan have faced each other five times in international football. India have secured one win, which came in the memorable 2008 AFC Challenge Cup final with a 4-1 victory.

The teams have drawn once, while Tajikistan have won three times, including recent dominant performances: 2-0 in 2012, 3-0 in 2013, and 4-2 in 2019.

India kick off their CAFA Nations Cup 2025 campaign today, taking on hosts Tajikistan at Hisor Central Stadium. Making their debut in the Central Asian tournament, the Blue Tigers, led by new head coach Khalid Jamil, are eager to hit the reset button after a rocky start to the year.

With several key players unavailable due to club commitments and the match falling outside the FIFA window, India’s youthful squad faces a tough challenge against a disciplined and well-prepared Tajik side. Kick-off is at 9:00 PM IST, with live coverage available on the FanCode app and website.

Here we go, live from the pitch! India, decked out in their signature blue, are charging in from right to left, full of energy and purpose. On the other side, the hosts Tajikistan, crisp in white, are ready to make a statement, coming at them from the opposite end. The stadium buzzes with anticipation, the kickoff is about to set this clash on fire.

Early nerves on display as Tajikistan keeps the ball ticking in India’s half, looking to test the defence. A hopeful long ball sails forward from their backline, but Anwar Ali reads it perfectly, stepping in to snuff out the danger. India breathe easy, that attack fizzles before it even sparks.

What a start! Uvais delivers a sensational long throw that rattles the Tajik defence. Hasanov rushes out but can’t keep his hands steady, and Anwar Ali rises for the first header, cleared off the line, but the danger isn’t gone.

The ball falls back to him, and this time he makes no mistake, nodding it home to give India the opener. India take a 1-0 lead against Tajikistan, a perfect way to kick off Khalid Jamil’s tenure.

Only six minutes on the clock, and Jeakson Singh picks up a yellow after a strong challenge. India continue to press forward, but the midfielder will need to stay smart and avoid a second booking this early in the game.

India are on fire. Uvais starts the move with a clever short pass, links up with Chhangte, and looks to find Anwar at the back post. The ball sails a touch too far, but Anwar races after it, controls it, and delivers a pinpoint cross into the danger zone.

Bheke rises to meet it, but Hasanov’s save keeps Tajikistan alive, only momentarily. The rebound falls perfectly to Sandesh Jhingan, a yard from goal, and he doesn’t miss. India strike again! 2-0 up, and the home side are absolutely buzzing as Khalid Jamil’s team makes a dream start.

India lead 2-0, and Tajikistan finally test the waters with their first real attempt. A corner is swung in, but Irfan rises high to head it clear. The ball drops to Shukurov at the edge of the box, who volleys — but it’s weak and wide, barely troubling Gurpreet. India remain in control, comfortable at the back.

Tajikistan are back in it! Pashanbe breezes past Suresh and links up with Boboev to tee up Samiev inside the box. He gets the better of Sandesh Jhingan and slots it past Gurpreet with composure. India’s lead is cut to 2-1, and the hosts are right back in the contest.

India lead 2-1, and they’re not letting up. Another towering throw from Uvais causes chaos in the Tajik box, but Dzhuraboev rises first to nod it away. The ball drops to Ashique at the edge of the area, and he volleys with power, Hasanov reacts brilliantly to keep it out. India are pressing hard, looking to restore their two-goal cushion.

Jeakson Singh bumps into his marker on the right flank, and Tajikistan win a free-kick. Pashanbe steps up to take it, India must stay alert as the hosts look to create danger from this set-piece.

The midfield is chaotic, with both sides struggling to string passes together and push forward. The ball ricochets from player to player before Tajikistan manages to force a corner. India must stay sharp to defend this one.

Chhangte makes a lively run from 30 yards, linking up with Ashique on the left. He slips a tricky through ball to Irfan, but the goalkeeper reads it perfectly and reaches it first. The referee adds a minute of stoppage time, the first half closing with plenty of tension.

What a start that was! India were 2-0 up within 13 minutes. It has been pretty much all Tajikistan since, and they have pulled a goal back through Samiev, after Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhingan scored for India.

It's been a disciplined defensive effort for the most part. But India have also looked to remain a threat on the counter. Ashique, in particular, has been an extremely useful outlet in that sense.

We'll be back after a short break with action from the second half.

The players are back on the pitch, and the second half kicks off. India look to extend their one-goal advantage, while Tajikistan, buoyed by thousands of home fans, are eager to mount a comeback. The tension is high, let’s see who takes control.

Safarov unleashes a long-range effort, but Gurpreet reacts sharply to keep it out. India clear the danger immediately, holding on to their 2-1 lead.

A failed challenge on Mahesh gives India a free-kick in a dangerous area. Jhingan rises high to meet it with a header, but the ball sails over the crossbar. A close call, yet the score remains 2-1.

Tajikistan whips in a dangerous ball, and Jhingan has to make a solid defensive clearance. The ball comes back quickly, and Shukurov shoots from the short corner, but Gurpreet is alert and makes a strong save. India hold firm under pressure.

What a moment! Gurpreet, the big guy in goal, comes up huge as Soirov steps up for the penalty. The strike is weak and off-target, and Gurpreet dives to his right to smother it with his feet. He pumps his fists, and the Indian players in blue erupt in celebration, a massive lift at the perfect time.

Irfan Yadwad appears to have suffered a serious knock, and India’s medical team rushes to his aid. He’s stretchered off the field, leaving a worried moment for the team and fans alike.

Soirov rises at the back post for a threatening header, but Gurpreet calmly claims it, easing all the pressure on India’s defence. The captain keeps his team in control as the minutes tick down.

Soirov swings in a dangerous ball from left to right, and Hanonov rises for a header. But it drifts just wide, and Tajikistan’s hopes of a late equalizer go begging. India cling on as the clock ticks toward the final whistle.

India roared to a 2-1 victory over the higher-ranked Tajikistan Lions, kicking off the Khalid Jamil era with style. Early set-piece strikes from Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhingan put India ahead, and the defence, led by Jhingan, Anwar, Bheke, and Uvais, held strong under relentless pressure.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu shone in goal, making crucial saves, including a penalty, on his national team comeback. A fearless, fighting performance from India, with the real test against Iran coming on Monday.

That’s a wrap from us. Thanks for following along, we’ll be back soon with another live blog. Until then, bye-bye and take care.