New Delhi: India began their CAFA Nations Cup campaign in style on Friday, defeating higher-ranked Tajikistan 2-1, thanks to early goals from defenders Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhingan, and a heroic performance from captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu under the bar. The victory, under new head coach Khalid Jamil, marked a strong start for a side that had been struggling in recent international outings.
India struck early, breaking their three-match scoring drought within 15 minutes. Anwar Ali opened the account in the fifth minute when he headed in from a melee after a long throw-in by Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, with the ball eventually awarded to him despite a deflection. Eight minutes later, Jhingan doubled the lead, stabbing home from close range after goalkeeper Muhriddin Hasanov parried a powerful header from Rahul Bheke. The quick-fire goals gave India a cushion, but also forced them into a defensive shell that invited pressure from the hosts.
Tajikistan, ranked 27 places above India, clawed back in the 23rd minute through Shahrom Samiev, who outpaced Jhingan before slotting past Gurpreet to make it 2-1. With India’s midfield struggling to create, Tajikistan dominated possession and launched waves of attacks, especially after the restart. Gurpreet, however, stood tall with a string of stunning saves, including a decisive stop from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, when he denied Rustam Soirov with a brilliant right-handed dive.
Despite some nervy moments and limited contribution from the forwards, India held their defensive shape and frustrated the home side till the final whistle. Jamil’s tactical adjustments, including bringing in Naorem Mahesh Singh and Danish Farooq, added grit to the midfield as India clung to their slender lead. Mahesh almost extended the margin in the 85th minute with a powerful strike, but Hasanov kept it out.
“It was a result the fans had been waiting for. Yes, we defended deep, but this win is special and we need to build on it,” Jhingan said after the game. For Jamil, it was a dream start as head coach, while for Gurpreet, who returned to the starting XI after being benched under the previous regime, it was a performance that reminded why he remains India’s No. 1.
With this win, India not only gained a morale boost but also sent a strong message ahead of their next clash against Asian heavyweights Iran.
