The Indian men’s national football team will script a new chapter in its history on Friday evening as they take the field for the first time in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, facing hosts Tajikistan at the Hisor Central Stadium. The contest marks the beginning of a challenging Group B campaign for the Blue Tigers, who will also take on Iran and Afghanistan in the coming week.
India enter the tournament under the stewardship of Khalid Jamil, the first Indian head coach to lead the national side in 13 years. Jamil, who made his mark with Aizawl FC’s fairy-tale I-League triumph in 2017 and later guided NorthEast United and Jamshedpur to ISL playoffs, has now been entrusted with the responsibility of reviving the national team. His task, however, is far from simple.
It’s Matchday 💫
The #BlueTigers 🇮🇳 take on hosts Tajikistan in their opening match of the #CAFANationsCup2025 tonight 🤩
Catch the action live on @fancode 📡#TJKIND ⚔️ #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/8q59DD38Yu
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 29, 2025
The build-up to this tournament has been turbulent. With uncertainty around the AIFF’s new constitution, player-wage disputes, and Mohun Bagan SG’s refusal to release several first-choice footballers, India’s preparations have been far from ideal. Yet Jamil has chosen to focus on the positives, highlighting a productive preparatory camp in Bengaluru and urging his squad to stay united. “We must think fresh, we must think positive. Every player must take responsibility. I feel that we are ready to accept this challenge,” he said on the eve of the game.
On the field, much will depend on the leadership of Sandesh Jhingan, who is expected to marshal the defence, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu should take his place between the posts. The midfield is likely to feature the industrious Suresh Singh, while creativity could come from Naorem Mahesh Singh or Lallianzuala Chhangte. With Sunil Chhetri unavailable, the goalscoring burden will rest on Irfan Yadwad, with Ashique Kuruniyan and Udanta Singh offering pace on the flanks.
Tajikistan, ranked 106th in the FIFA rankings (27 places above India), present a formidable first test. Under Croatian coach Petar Šegrt, the hosts reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup 2023, their first-ever appearance at the continental showpiece. Spearheaded by forward Shahrom Samiev and midfield general Parvizdzhon Umarbaev, the Persian Lions boast both resilience and technical sharpness. Their recent form has been mixed, but a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia and victories over Timor-Leste and Malaysia underline their quality.
History too favours Tajikistan, who have won three of the five previous meetings between the sides. India’s lone victory remains the famous 4-1 triumph in the AFC Challenge Cup final in 2008, which secured qualification for the Asian Cup. Seventeen years on, Jamil’s men will hope to summon similar spirit as they aim to start their campaign on a strong note.
For the Blue Tigers, the CAFA Nations Cup is more than just another tournament. It is an opportunity to showcase resilience in adversity, to blood new players in a competitive environment, and to test themselves against emerging Asian forces ahead of the crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers games against Singapore next month. As India take the field in Hisor tonight, all eyes will be on whether Jamil’s side can rise above their off-field troubles and deliver a performance that sets the tone for a new era in Indian football.
Also Read: Jamil Names Squad, Unfazed by Absence of Mohun Bagan Players
