India Vs Tajikistan Football Highlights, International Friendly: Blue Tigers Go Down Despite Farukh Wonder-Goal

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Albino Gomes

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Barla, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Pramveer

Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Macarton Nickson, Noufal PN, Ricky Shabong

Forwards: Parthib Gogoi, Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammed Sanan, Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary, Vikram Partap Singh

"We are working with a mixed group of several young boys, who are taking their first steps at the international level, along with experienced players. While a few player availability issues made things challenging, I want to thank every player who came to represent the country, and the clubs that supported the national team by releasing them. I am also grateful to our support staff for their hard work and commitment throughout. We will continue working together, learning from every match, and moving forward as a team."

IND XI: Gurpreet Singh (C), Akash Mishra, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Macarton Louis Nickson, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jeakson Singh, Ricky John, Edmund Lalrindika, Vikram Pratap Singh.

TJK XI: Rustam Yatimov, Vahdat Hanonov, Zoir Dzhuraboev, Tabrez Islomov, M Karimov, Ehsoni Panshanbe, Salokhiddin Irgashev, Alisher Shukurov, Alisher Dzhalilov (C), Sheriddin Boboev, Shervoni Mabetshoev

March 31 - 2026: India 2-1 Hong Kong
May 27 - 2026: India 0-2 Jamaica
May 30 - 2026: India 0-1 Zimbabwe

These two sides have met six times at senior international level. India has won two -- Tajikistan has won three, and one match has ended in a draw.

Players are on the pitch and we are just seconds away from the kick-off.

The fans have flocked to the Hisor Arena and the voice is deafening. Great start to the match. Chhangte chases a ball towards the TJK goalie but the latter clears.

IND 0-0 TJK 4'

Penalty for Tajikistan! A reckless challenge from Louis Nickson as the ref points to the spot. Tajikstan players rush to the fallen player. Gurpreet readies himself for the spot-kick. Sheriddin sends the Indian captain the wrong way and the hosts take lead.

IND 0-1 TJK 8'

Big test this for India. Up against it now after conceding that early penalty. There have been good moments of inter-changing but that's about it.

IND 0-1 TJK 12'

Long throw has been a great weapon at India's disposal. They send in a long throw as Tajikistan fail to clear and the ball finds Vikram Pratap Singh, who's shot goes wide.

IND 0-1 TJK 15'

Consistency is lacking within the Indian players. There seems to be no movement in the middle of the park.

IND 0-1 TJK 19'

Edmund Lalrindika gets booked for a silly foul after kicks in the face of a TJK player. Unnecessary booking after India had the hosts booked in their own half.

IND 0-1 TJK 25'

This has been a timid display in the middle of the park. The attack is blunt and the midfield is absent. The visitors have not offered anything and barring the long throws, there has been nothing to cheer on.

IND 0-1 TJK 30'

Indian players are struggling up front, with Jeakson losing the ball on the right, but Akash clears it away.

IND 0-1 TJK 34'

Akash Mishra with a cross from the left, and it finds the head of Edmund, who's shot rattles the bar. Great effort that and India needs more of these.

IND 0-1 TJK 39'

The early zip in their passing has worn off as Tajikistan struggle to find rhythm. A great cross in the box from Akash Mishra once again and finds Chhangte, whose header goes straight at the goalkeeper.

IND 0-1 TJK 41'

The hosts and the visitors go into the break with 1-0 scoreline. Early penalty from Sheriddin sees TJK lead IND in this absorbing friendly. The visitors did find some joy right at the back end of the 1st half but lacked the cutting edge.

The match has seen a tactical shift as Alijon enters for Tajikistan, injecting fresh energy off the bench. India’s defense has been tested during this period, with Sandesh Jhingan needing to sharpen his concentration; a momentary lapse in his footwork allowed Shervoni to surge forward and force a corner for Tajikistan. On the other end, India continues to rely on their set-piece strategy, with Rahul Bheke launching another signature long throw-in. While Jeakson managed to flick the ball into a dangerous area in the heart of the box, the Indian attackers were unable to capitalize, leaving the opportunity unconverted.

Pressure is growing on Khalid Jamil and if the Blue Tigers lose tonight, it will become even more loud. Karimov doubles the lead for Tajikistan with a beautiful header from a free-kick.

IND 0-2 TJK 61'

Indian defence is caught napping as TJK add the third goal of the evening and seems like the result is out India's reach. Ehsoni with the third goal for Tajikistan. Alijon plays a neatly grounded cross, and Ehsoni slots it in for the third goal. The Indian players look at each other with worried looks.

IND 0-3 TJK 67'

Chhangte and Louis Nickson have been taken off, and Farukh has been rushed in.

IND 0-3 TJK 70'

With victory out of the picture, the main priority for the hosts will be to bag a solitary goal. At the moment, it looks unlikely.

IND 0-3 TJK 75'

The only way India have looked threatening is via the long-throw. However, this time the TJK defence clear it without any trouble as time is running out for the visitors to find a goal.

IND 0-3 TJK 82'

Khalid Jamil subs goalkeeper and captain Gurpreet off and on comes Albino Gomes. Meanwhile, four minutes plus stoppages remain for India.

IND 0-3 TJK 86'

Superb effort from Farukh as he bags India's solitary goal. Long-range free-kick and the forward sends in the delivery that beats the TJK goalie.

IND 1-3 TJK 88'

Full-time in Hisor as Tajikistan beat India by 3-1 scoreline. India had their moments in the game but did not capitalise. Some wasteful attacking and timid defending allow TJK to to gain an important victory.

IND 1-3 TJK FT