India 0-1 Tajikistan Highlights, U23 Tri-Nation Championship 2026: Blue Colts Fall Short As TJK Secure Narrow Victory

Greetings and welcome, everyone. Stay with us for the build-up and live updates from India's clash in the U23 Tri-Nation Championship against Tajikistan.

In their last match of the U23 Tri-Nation Championship 2026, the India U23 men’s football team delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over Bhutan. The match took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. Under the guidance of coach Naushad Moosa, the Blue Colts controlled the game from start to finish, though they had to wait until just before halftime to break the deadlock.

After several missed opportunities, Ricky Meetei Haobam opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a strike from outside the box.

India doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Suhail Ahmad Bhat poked home a cross from Adison Singh.

The lead was extended to 3-0 in the 79th minute by substitute Tomba Singh Haobam, who scored on his debut.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat completed his brace in the 81st minute, followed by a final goal from Muhammed Ajsal in the 85th minute to seal the 5-0 win.

In their most recent match of the U23 Tri-Nation Tournament 2026, Tajikistan secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Bhutan. The match took place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.

Tajikistan controlled much of the possession, but found it difficult to break down a resilient Bhutanese defense. The decisive moment came early in the first half. Masrur Gafurov scored the only goal of the match in the 16th minute, giving Tajikistan an early lead that they managed to defend for the remainder of the game.

While Tajikistan was clinical enough to secure the three points, they were unable to add to their tally, leaving them with a goal difference of +1 heading into the final stages of the tournament.

The match kicks off at 7pm IST. The India vs Tajikistan, U23 Tri-Nation Championship 2026 clash will be live-streamed on the SonyLIV app and website in India. It will be televised live on the Sony Sports Network TV channels in the country.

Before the match kicks off, here is India's line-up:

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The Kick off is just 10 minutes away and the players will soon be in action after their national anthems

The teams are out on the pitch and have lined up for the national anthems and other pre-match formalities.

The first half is underway at the Golden Jubilee Stadium as Tajikistan U23 get us started. Early moments of the game with both sides looking to settle into rhythm and control possession in this crucial encounter.

Khaitov strikes in the 10th minute to break the deadlock with a sharp finish, giving Tajikistan an early advantage. A big moment in the opening stages as they take control of the game inside the first quarter.

Concern for Tajikistan as their goalkeeper goes down again in the 25th minute and requires medical attention. A brief stoppage in play here as the physios rush in, with Tajikistan hoping it’s nothing serious.

Olimzoda is unable to continue after picking up an injury, forcing an early change for Tajikistan in the 36th minute. A tough moment for them as they lose a key player and are compelled into a substitution much earlier than planned.

The referee blows for the break, and Tajikistan U23 head into the interval with a 1-0 lead. It’s been a competitive first half, with the early goal proving the difference so far.

India U23 get the game restarted after the break and make an immediate double change, with Macarton and Shivaldo being taken off. A tactical shift from the hosts as they look to find a way back into the game early in the second half.

Mohammed Sanan concedes a foul in the 69th minute after bringing down the Tajikistan captain, handing the visitors a free-kick in a promising area. A chance now for Tajikistan to put pressure on the Indian defence.

Suhail Ahmed Bhat tries his luck from long range in the 82nd minute, striking it powerfully with his right foot, but it sails off target. The Blue Colts are pushing hard for an equaliser, but that effort won’t trouble the keeper.

Huge chance goes begging for India U23. Suhail Ahmed Bhat gets a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time but fails to convert, blasting his right-footed effort well over the crossbar. A massive miss for the Blue Colts, who were inches away from finding the equaliser late on.

The referee blows the final whistle, and Tajikistan U23 secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Khaitov’s early strike proves to be the difference, as India, despite creating several chances, fail to find the equaliser. The Blue Colts pushed till the very end but couldn’t convert, while goalkeeper Mohanraj impressed with a series of crucial saves to keep India in the contest.

IND 0-1 TJK