The Indian men’s football team began a new chapter under Khalid Jamil with a landmark 2–1 win over Tajikistan in Dushanbe at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. It was India’s first victory against the Central Asian side in 17 years and their first-ever away win on Tajik soil.
For Jamil, taking charge of the national team for the first time, it could hardly have been a better start two goals inside 14 minutes, a disciplined defensive effort, and a result that will be remembered for years. India were without several key regulars, but that didn’t stop the team from coming out aggressively. Central defender Anwar Ali set the tone early, first with a headed goal and then with a precise assist in the opening quarter of an hour. The East Bengal centre-back, already regarded as one of India’s finest defenders, showed his value at both ends of the pitch.
Soon after, Sandesh Jhingan doubled India’s lead, putting the visitors in control and stunning the higher-ranked hosts. Tajikistan, however, clawed their way back into the contest, reducing the deficit before half-time. The second half was about resilience and concentration areas where India, often guilty of faltering late, held their ground this time.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: The Wall Again
If the outfield players set up the lead, it was Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who preserved it. India’s long-serving No. 1 produced a string of crucial saves, including a penalty stop that kept Tajikistan from equalizing. Comparisons with Gianluigi Donnarumma may be exaggerated, but in Dushanbe, Gurpreet played like a world-class goalkeeper commanding in the box, vocal with his backline, and clutch in big moments. His performance ensured Khalid Jamil’s tenure began with three points instead of a frustrating draw.
Indian football has often wrestled with questions of identity: should the team attempt possession-heavy, passing football, or lean into pragmatism? Khalid Jamil, long admired in the I-League and ISL for his results-first mindset, wasted no time in showing his hand. His setup was simple: compact lines, direct transitions, and exploiting set-pieces. For a player pool not yet equipped to play expansive European-style football, this approach looks far more sustainable.
It’s not a criticism of past coaches, who sought to instil a more sophisticated system, but the reality is that India lacks the depth to execute it. Jamil’s debut showed the virtue of working with what you have and making it count. One result does not define a reign, and bigger tests await India in this tournament and beyond. Tajikistan may be ranked higher, but tougher opponents within CAFA will soon expose weaknesses that still remain in midfield creativity and ball progression.
Yet, this win matters. It ends a 17-year wait against Tajikistan, provides belief to a side in transition, and gives Khalid Jamil credibility from day one.
A Night to Remember
- Anwar Ali: Goal + assist from centre-back, arguably India’s standout defender right now.
- Sandesh Jhingan: A leader’s goal, reminding everyone of his presence in big matches.
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: A penalty save, several critical interventions, and an assured performance between the posts.
Together, they anchored a famous night for Indian football one that combined grit, opportunism, and resilience. For Indian football fans starved of away victories against stronger opposition, this 2–1 win over Tajikistan will linger long. It wasn’t pretty at times, but it was effective and effectiveness is what India needs right now.
Khalid Jamil’s men didn’t just win a match; they opened a new chapter. And if this start is anything to go by, the Blue Tigers under Jamil will be difficult to ignore.
