Hisor, Tajikistan, August 30(HS): India’s men’s football team began their journey under new head coach Khalid Jamil with a resounding 2-1 victory over hosts Tajikistan in the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup. The win marked India’s first triumph on foreign soil in nearly two years, the last being a victory against Kuwait in a World Cup qualifier in November 2023.

Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhingan scored for India, while Shahrom Samiov netted the lone goal for Tajikistan in a hard-fought clash.

India took the lead early in the fifth minute when Anwar Ali’s powerful header crossed the goal line despite attempts from the hosts to clear it. Despite the absence of veteran striker Sunil Chhetri and unavailability of key Mohun Bagan players, Jamil’s tactical approach proved effective.

India’s attacking defenders played a key role in the second goal. After Rahul’s header was saved, Jhingan capitalized on the rebound to extend India’s lead.

Tajikistan revived hopes ten minutes later when Samiov scored. In the second half, India’s goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, returning to the starting XI for the first time since November, made a crucial save by stopping a penalty awarded after Rustam Soirov was fouled in the box.

India now shifts focus to their next match against Asian powerhouse Iran on September 1, followed by a clash against Afghanistan on September 3. Iran opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over Afghanistan, with Majid Aliari scoring twice and Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh adding one.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar