India loses to Tajikistan in the first of two international friendlies

India suffered a 1-3 defeat to higher-ranked Tajikistan in an international football friendly on Friday.

Tajikistan took an early lead through Sheriddin Boboev’s penalty in the ninth minute and took the lead into half-time as India struggled to create clear chances against a well-organised defence.

India showed more intent after the restart, but Tajikistan tightened their grip on the match with two goals in the second half. Mekhrubon Karimov scored in the 61st minute before Ehson Panjshanbe added another six minutes later to make it 3-0.

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India reduced the margin late in the match through Farukh Choudhary, who scored with a fine effort in the 88th minute. However, the goal was not enough to prevent a third successive defeat for the Blue Tigers in their recent series of international friendlies.

India came into the match on the back of two defeats at the Unity Cup in London, where they lost 0-2 to Jamaica and 0-1 to Zimbabwe.

The match was part of India’s preparations for upcoming continental assignments, with head coach Khalid Jamil using the outing to assess combinations and give players exposure against stronger opposition.

India will face Tajikistan again on June 9 in another international friendly.

Published on June 5, 2026