Football
CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Live: India beat Tajikistan- Highlights
Get all the highlights from India’s first-ever CAFA Nations Cup 2025 match against hosts Tajikistan in Hisor.
CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Live: India vs Tajikistan- Scores, updates, blog (Photo credit: AIFF)
The senior Indian men’s national football team embarks on a new chapter in its journey as they play their first-ever CAFA Nations Cup 2025 match against hosts Tajikistan at the Hisor Central Stadium on Friday, August 29.
Placed in Group B, India will take on Tajikistan in their opener, followed by matches against IR Iran (September 1) and Afghanistan (September 4). Group A features Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Oman. The group winners will contest the final, while the second-placed teams will play the third-place playoff on September 8.
India kicked off their CAFA Nations Cup 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 win over hosts Tajikistan in Hisor. The Blue Tigers raced into a two-goal lead through Anwar Ali (4) and Sandesh Jhingan (5) inside the first 12 minutes. Tajikistan fought back with a well-taken strike from Shahrom Samiev (22) and pressed strongly in the second half.
A crucial penalty save from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (1) helped India hold on, despite late attacks and pressure from the hosts. Head coach Khalid Jamil’s debut sees India start their Group B campaign on a positive note ahead of their next clash against IR Iran on August 31.
Highlights:
Live Updates
- 29 Aug 2025 4:24 PM GMT
Half-Time- India lead at the break!
The first half ends with India 2–1 Tajikistan. India started brightly, scoring twice in the opening 12 minutes, but Tajikistan fought back well and have been the more threatening side in the latter stages. The Blue Tigers will need to tighten up defensively and maintain focus as the second half approaches.
- 29 Aug 2025 4:20 PM GMT
42’ Tajikistan pressuring late in the half!
India seem to have relaxed a bit, despite still having 45+ minutes of the second half remaining. The Blue Tigers are playing as if they have a comfortable lead, and Tajikistan are taking full advantage. The hosts win a corner, which is promptly cleared, but their attacking waves have been constant since pulling one back.
India 2–1 Tajikistan
- 29 Aug 2025 4:15 PM GMT
35’ Tajikistan on the front foot!
That goal has given Tajikistan a boost. Even though they are still trailing 2–1, they’ve shown real determination in the last few minutes. India, after scoring their first two goals, have appeared a bit laid back.
India 2–1 Tajikistan
- 29 Aug 2025 4:07 PM GMT
30’ Tajikistan threatens again!
A long throw-in from the hosts causes some chaos inside the Indian box, but the Blue Tigers manage to scramble it clear before any damage is done.
India 2–1 Tajikistan
- 29 Aug 2025 4:00 PM GMT
22’ Tajikistan pull one back!
A sharp move from the hosts — Akhtam Nazarov threads a neat pass, and Ehsoni Panshanbe shows great playmaking vision to find Shahrom Samiev inside the box. He finishes clinically, and the crowd erupts in Hisor!
India 2–1 Tajikistan
- 29 Aug 2025 3:56 PM GMT
19’ Free-kick danger for India!
Tajikistan win a free-kick from a dangerous position just outside the box on the left. The delivery comes in with intent, but the Indian defence stands tall and clears the danger.
India 2–0 Tajikistan
- 29 Aug 2025 3:54 PM GMT
18’ India defense holding on!
Tajikistan are attempting most of their attacks down the right flank, but so far the Indian defence has stood firm and kept them unsuccessful in breaking through.
India 2–0 Tajikistan
- 29 Aug 2025 3:48 PM GMT
12’ India doubles their lead in Hisor!
A fine cross from Anwar Ali finds Rahul Shankar Bheke inside the box. His header bounces awkwardly, and Sandesh Jhingan reacts quickest to smash it into the net!
India 2–0 Tajikistan
- 29 Aug 2025 3:41 PM GMT
4’ India take an early lead in Hisor!
India win the first corner, and Lallianzuala Chhangte swings it in. The ball sails long but stays in play as Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal throws it back into the box. The Tajikistan keeper fumbles under pressure, and Anwar Ali is on hand to slot it into the net!
India 1- 0 Tajikistan
- 29 Aug 2025 3:35 PM GMT
Kick-off!
We are underway in Hisor! India, in their traditional blue, are attacking from right to left in this first half against hosts Tajikistan. The Blue Tigers look eager to make a strong start in their CAFA Nations Cup 2025 debut.
