By Rahul Giri
Khalid Jamil’s India side defied all odds to script a memorable 2-1 win over hosts Tajikistan in their opening Group B clash of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 at the Hisor Central Stadium on Friday.
There were concerns over India’s preparation ahead of the tournament, as seven of the starting XI came from ISL clubs that had neither begun pre-season training on time, owing to uncertainties around the Indian football calendar, nor participated in the Durand Cup. With only a 10-day preparatory camp in Bengaluru, questions over fitness and match sharpness dominated the build-up. But on the pitch, Jamil’s men silenced the doubters with discipline, resilience, and sheer determination.
A Defensive Wall with an Attacking Edge
India’s backline, marshalled by Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali, stood tall throughout, while captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a resounding comeback between the posts. After a string of ordinary performances in recent months, Gurpreet reminded everyone why he remains the country’s premier shot-stopper, producing a series of decisive saves.
Ironically, it was the defenders who powered India’s attack in the first half. In the 5th minute, Mohammed Uvais launched a trademark long throw, a feature of Jamil’s playbook. Anwar Ali rose highest to get a touch, and a desperate clearance attempt by Tajikistan deflected into their own net to hand India an early lead. Just seven minutes later, Anwar turned provider, curling in a corner from the right. Rahul Bheke’s header forced goalkeeper Muhriddin Hasanov into action, but Jhingan pounced on the rebound to double India’s advantage.
Tajikistan, however, hit back in the 23rd minute when Shahrom Samiev combined neatly with Boboev before slotting past Jhingan and Gurpreet to reduce the deficit.
Gurpreet’s Heroics Seal the Win
The second half was a test of India’s defensive organisation as Tajikistan dominated possession in search of an equaliser. Gurpreet produced two brilliant saves, first from a Jalilov free-kick in the 48th minute and then from another left-footed strike in the 54th.
The game’s defining moment arrived in the 72nd minute. Tajikistan were awarded a contentious penalty after a soft foul by Vikram Partap Singh. Up stepped Rustam Soirov, but Gurpreet dived brilliantly to his right to deny him, sparking wild celebrations from the Blue Tigers. Jamil, however, urged calm from the touchline as the hosts continued to press.
In stoppage time, substitute Naorem Mahesh Singh almost sealed it for India with a curling effort from distance after a sharp forward pass from Rohan Singh, but Hasanov denied him with a flying save.
Grit and Discipline the Hallmark
Despite relentless pressure from the home side in the closing stages, India’s defensive shape held firm. Jamil even opted for a late reshuffle, bringing on Chinglensana Singh to bolster the backline and leaving Naorem as the lone striker. The Blue Tigers absorbed everything thrown at them, holding on for a famous victory.
This result is only India’s second-ever win against Tajikistan, the last coming in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup final, which secured Asian Cup qualification. Seventeen years later, Jamil’s men showed similar spirit to begin their CAFA Nations Cup journey on a high.
What’s Next
India’s next test is a daunting one against Iran (FIFA rank: 20), a side preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Realistically, the Blue Tigers will back themselves to pick up crucial points in their final group game against Afghanistan. For now, however, Khalid Jamil’s tenure as national team head coach could not have begun with a more spirited statement.
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