India vs Tajikistan Football Match Live Score Updates, CAFA Nations Cup 2025India vs Tajikistan Football Match, CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Highlights: Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu starred with a crucial penalty save as India defeated Tajikistan 2-1 at the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025 on Friday. This was the Blue Tigers first win against Tajikistan after 17 long years as well as their first victory in any competition since March of this year.
ALSO READ | India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Live Streaming
Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri’s absence from the squad was among the big talking points. Chhetri had returned from international retirement during the troubled tenure of Jamil’s predecessor Manolo Marquez and it led to speculation of whether the 41-year-old is part of the new coach’s plans. Jamil, however, said that Chhetri has been left out because the CAFA Cup has no bearing on India’s qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
The rest of the regulars are all there in the Indian team, barring those playing for Mohun Bagan Super Giant who refused to release players for the tournament. It will be interesting to see if Jamil can uncover a consistent source of goals over the course of this tournament in Chhetri’s absence. A player worth looking out for in this regard would be Irfan Yadwad, with whom Jamil has worked earlier at Chennaiyin FC.
FOLLOW HIGHLIGHTS FROM INDIA VS TAJIKISTAN MATCH BELOW
A week ago, when Jamil was asked about Chhetri’s exclusion, he had said that he wasn’t there because CAFA was just a preparatory tournament for the crucial Asian Cup qualifiers. (Photo Credit: AIFF)
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: Full Time
Last minute of the added time and India smell a famous victory. Gurpreet with a goal kick as the stands are emptying rapidly. And that's it!! India have won, beat TJK after 17 years!! Their first win since March of this year.
FT IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 90+7' | Mahesh misfires
Boris does well to keep the ball in play, feeds it to Mahesh as India get a free kick at the edge of the TJK penalty box. Bad, bad, BAD shot as Mahesh floats it over.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 90+4' | IND almost there
Gurpreet is down for a bit but he's finally back again. Hooves it and that's gone to the TJK keeper. And the hosts build again. And another header but that's straight down Gurpreet's throat.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 90+2' | TJK's Prabhu misses a sitter!!
8 mins have bee added on and India will have to survive these. TJK with all the ball possession now. AND CLEAR CHANCE!! Soirov with a ball that's has decent hang time. Prabhu comes in with a header and HE MISSES THE GAPING GOAL!!
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 89' | IND hold on
We are now in the fag end of the match. can India hang on? Tajikistan on the attack constantly. AAANDD ALMOST falls to a TJK head and Gurpreet with another save into the melee!!
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 86' | Mahesh almost scores!!
And India with a break away!! Mahesh has two players beside him but he steps inside and puts his laces through the ball which is saved!!
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 84' | India fail to break away
We are off again and TJK get the ball back swiftly. No where to get through down the middle so to the wings they go. Soirov loses possession but India's out ball is gone outside for a throw. 2 more subs for IND now.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 80' | Irfan down
A foul again and India have a free kick near the edge of the half way line as Irfan is now receiving medical attention. A break in play now
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 76' | TJK build again
Gurpreet with a goal kick now and that's long which is headed out by the TJ players for a corner. Nothing much comes from it as TJK can build again from the back.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 72' |Gurpreet saves a penalty!!!
AAAND A PENALTY NOW!! Vikram has fouled Soirov for the player to go down in what will turn out to be a very soft penalty. Soirov to take it and Gurpreet has saved it!! Went the wrong way but he has such long legs that the ball hits them and bounces out!!
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 66' | A little respite
A little bit of respite for india as Naorem is fouled. They get a free kick and can send this out in front for the attack. But they can't get anywhere near the TJK goal.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 63' | Shukurov shoots
Another beautiful delivery by Tajikistan and Jhingan has to do some defending. Deep one but it's sent out for another corner. And Shukurov with a short and Gurpreet saves!!
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 58' | Just over from Jhingan
Indi a have a free kick now as Mahesh is brought down near the left flank. Lobs one in and Jhingan gets the head by it's just over the bar.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 55' | Three subs for IND
Jamil will now change things as he brings in three subs. Danish Farooq, Nikhil Prabhu, Naorem Mahesh come in for Suresh Singh, Jeakson Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 53' | Another save by Gurpreet
India are currently on the backfoot as waves and waves of TJK attack comes in. And a shot by Jalilov again and Gurpreet saves again!!!
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 51' | Zoir's header misses!!
Almost another goal as Gurpreet comes out and saves. Tajikistan throwing everything at the visitors now. And a glancing header by Zoir which misses by margins.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 47' | Jalilov's stinging shot
Here we go for the second half as India kick us off. A throw in for Tajikistan now which is sent out for another thow. Nothing from any of them but India give a chance to TJK with a hand ball near their goal. Nice ball and a left foot shot by Jalilov only for Gurpreet to save!!
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: Half Time
Just 1 minute added. Tajikistan looking for one final attack in the first half but are being kept at an arm's length by India. They finally get a through pass which is deflected and falls kindly for Gurpreet. And that's half time!!
HT: IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 42' | TJK growing into game
India have to contend with a late corner now. Jalilov plays it short but the routine is snuffed out by a resolute Indian defence. But TJK are growing into the game.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 39' | IND soaking in pressure
India have a free kick in their half now. It's fed to the wings but but ultimately ends as a throw in for TJK. They try for a break but can't get close. Finally a corner. Jalilov to take. Not a bad one but Gurpreet pushes it away.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 34' | High and wide from Safarov
Tajikistan are trying to use the right flank for attacks but the Indian defence is up to the task tonight. A low cross is cut out and Safarov with a wild strike for the vball to balloon over the Indian goal!!
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 32' | IND living dangerously
Panshanbe is fouled and he will take the free kick for TJK. Ufff!!! Almost in from the white shirts but India clear their lines. They have to contend with a throw which Gurpreet smothers.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 29' | Both sides giving ball away
Both sides are guilty of giving away the ball, especially Tajikistan who are trying to play long, hollywwod passes to get to their frontmen, only for India to get goal kicks.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 26' | Anwar almost scores
WOAH!! India almost pulls out a stunner as Anwar Ali hits alsmot a no look lob which is saved by the keeper. A corner for India but nothing comes off it.
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 22' | TJK pull one back!!
Tajikistan are playing the same way, trying to launch the ball over the Indian defence and they finally find a good through pass that falls right on to the feet of striker Samiev who finishes it coolly!!
IND 2-1 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 20' | Not an ideal free kick
A free kick in a dangerous area for Tajikistan now. It's a terrible free kick as Shukurov plays it into the wall. India stil can't clear with Tajikistan getting a throw. Nothing from it as IND hooves it clear.
IND 2-0 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 18' | IND keep TJK in check
Tajikistan are trying to build an attack but they are relegated to playing square passes or backwards with India looking pretty resolute at the back thus far.
IND 2-0 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 13' | IND score again!!
India have a throw in again. Will it be another long throw? It's kept short and what do you know!! India have scored again!! Ball is sent into the middleand Bheke with the header as the TJK goalkeeper can't get it away. Jhingan was on hand to push the ball into the empty net!!
IND 2-0 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 9' | TJK keep possession
Tajikistan now keeping the ball for long stretches as Indian players hover around them in order to nick the ball off. No such luck as the opposition keeps possesion.
IND 1-0 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 5' | GOAL!!
Good ball in from the wings by Ashique but the keeper parries it out for the corner. In swinger and the keeper comes out and punches it away. Out for a throw. AAAAND GOALLLL!! That long throw did all the damage as Anwar Ali sends it into the net with a header!! Turns out it went inside after a Tajikistan defender gets the last touch.
IND 1-0 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: 2' | TJK going with long balls
And we kick off. Tajikistan with the long ball to start. But it's gone out fora goal kick as coach Jmail looks pretty animated from the first whsitle.
IND 0-0 TJK
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: Formations
TJK: 4-4-2
IND: 4-3-3
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: National anthems underway
Here come the two teams with India wearing their traditional all blue kit while Tajikistan are decked in all white. Time for the national anthems of both countries.
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: What lies next if India qualify from Group stage
September 8, Monday: Third-place match
September 8, Monday: Final
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: Check out the two groups
Group A: Uzbekistan, Oman, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan
Group B: India, Tajikistan, Iran, Afghanistan
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: Check out India's full squad
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Thounaojam Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh Thangjam, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh Kumam, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (jr), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh.
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: Opening ceremony underway
We are pretty close to kick off time as the opening ceremony of the tournament is currently underway.
India vs Tajikistan, CAFA Nations Cup Live: IND's upcoming schedule
After the CAFA Nation's Cup, India have two matches against Singapore (Home and Away) in the crucial Asia Cup qualifiers in October 9 and 14. They will then face off against Bangladesh and Hong Kong for the qualifiers on November 18 and March 31 respectively.
India vs Tajikistan Live: What Jamil said before the match
“Yes, we know about them (Tajikistan). They are a strong side and have done well recently. But we must focus on our own game and be mentally prepared. It is important for us to play as a unit and keep improving every match. The process will take time. We want to focus on both the juniors and the seniors to build a strong unit for the future matches,” Jamil said.
India vs Tajikistan Live: Why is Sunil Chhetri not in the team?
Talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri, who had retired last year came back to the Indian side in March this year at the request of ex-coach Manolo Marquez, has been left out of the Indian team for the CAFA Nations Cup. Coach Khalid Jamil, however, cleared air on Chhetri's exclusion saying that this tournament was just a preparatory one and Chhetri can come back during the Asia Cup qualifiers, if he was willing. “He (Chhetri) is not there in this camp because we are playing a tournament which will essentially serve as a preparation for our Asian Cup Qualifiers," Jamil said.
India vs Tajikistan Live: Knowing Jamil a little better
Born in 1977 in Kuwait City, came to India during Gulf War
Played as a midfielder for the national team as well as Mahindra United, Air India and Mumbai FC.
Holds the rare honour of winning the top division as player and coach – with Mahindra United in 2005 as a player and leading Aizawl to the I-League title as manager in 2017
Has coached Mumbai FC, Aizawl, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC
Won the AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year Award on two occasions — 2023-24 and 2024-25
India vs Tajikistan Live: Who is Khalid Jamil?
India have looked to the Netherlands, England, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan and, very briefly and rather disastrously, Spain to lead their national men’s football team in the last three decades. Only twice have the powers that be looked within the nation for someone to fill that role in this period – Sukhwinder Singh (2005) and Savio Medeira (2011/12); and Armando Colaco in 2011 on an interim basis. Khalid Jamil has now become the third man, and the fourth if one counts Colaco, to take over that role.
India vs Tajikistan Live: India's schedule
August 29, Friday: India vs Tajikistan - 9:00 PM
September 1, Monday: India vs Iran - 5:30 PM
September 4, Thursday: India vs Afghanistan - 5:30 PM
India vs Tajikistan Live: Here are the two lineups
India vs Tajikistan Live: Marquez's dismal tenure
Under ex-coach Manolo Marquez, the Indian team has just one win from their last 8 matches with the victory coming against Maldives back in March. In 2025, they have played 4, lost 2, won 1 and drawn 1. The results were so poor that India had to bring back their iconic striker Sunil Chhetri from his 2024 retirement but that has done little to change their fortunes.
India vs Tajikistan Live: India's lineup
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Muhammed Uvais; Vikram Partap Singh, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Ashique Kuruniyan; Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte
India vs Tajikistan Live: IND's slide
India are in a downward slide as a football team for the past few years with the Blue Tigers slipping to their worst-ever ranking n the last 9 years at 133. Tajikistan, meanwhile, are 106th in the FIFA rankings.
India vs Tajikistan Live: Head to head
India and Tajikistan have played each other 5 times in history with the Blue Tigers winning just a lone match, at the AFC Challenge Cup final. Tajikistan have won 3 while one has been a draw.
India vs Tajikistan Live: Hello and Welcome
India under a new head coach in Khalid Jamil will look for a fresh start as they take on Tajikistan in the first match of the CAFA Nation's Cup on Friday. India are currently in one of their most barren spells, winning just 2 matches in 23 games they have played since june 2023 while losing 11 of them. Can they turn things around tonight? Follow us to find out.