India beats Tadjikistan 2-1 in Cafa Nations Cup 2025 in the first game under Khalid Jamil

Khalid Jamil started his stint as India (men) head coach in style when his team beat 2-1 with 2-1 on Friday in the 2025 Cafa Nations Cup.

Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhingan found it just before the Blue Tigers while Shahrom Samiev pulled one for the host in a tightly disputed affair.

It was the first victory of India on foreign soil in almost two years, with the last victory in November 2023 against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifications.

India played in the midst of a partisan crowd in the Central Hisor Stadium and found an early breakthrough when the header of defender Anwar crossed the goal line in the fifth minute. Although the host got the ball – a header – it was outside the line, making the goal to him.

Jamil, playing without Sunil Chhetri – which he excluded from the current team – and Mohun Bagan Super Giant players – who were not released by the club – could not find attacking solutions from Irfan Yadwad and Vikram Partap Singh.

However, his strategy of long throws and attacking runs from Centrum-Backs was bearing fruit, because three of the Back-Line of India were involved in the second goal, one that turned out to be the winner.

Anwar’s cross from the right was led by Rahul Bheke on goal, and Muhriddin Hasanov got a hand. However, Jhingan hit the follow-up to rattle the net.

Samiev’s strike 10 minutes later seemed to arouse a comeback for the host, which attracted almost level in the second half when Rustam Soirov was pulled into the box.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who has returned to the starting line-up since November last year, came to the occasion and made a crucial rescue with his leg.

Published on August 29, 2025