India’s national football team finally broke their long seventeen-year drought against Tajikistan, launching their CAFA Nations Cup debut with a thrilling 2-1 victory in Hisor last night. The Blue Tigers wasted no time seizing control with two early strikes, and the match quickly took on a high-octane tempo that kept fans riveted throughout.

Action From the Start
The drama began in the opening minutes as defender Anwar Ali powered home a header after a long throw-in, stunning the Tajik home crowd. Sandesh Jhingan added to the tally less than ten minutes later, smashing in a rebound after a frenetic sequence in the penalty area. Though Tajikistan pulled one back before the half-hour mark, the rest of the first half continued at a relentless pace, with India hungry for more chances.

Gurpreet’s Defiant Stand
The second half saw a shift, with India holding their ground as Tajikistan pressed for an equalizer. Captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu delivered when it mattered most, producing a string of crucial saves including a heroic stop from the penalty spot with just under twenty minutes to play. His calm under pressure helped India weather a late Tajik onslaught.

A New Chapter
This CAFA Nations Cup win marks a rejuvenating start for India under coach Khalid Jamil, showcasing resilience and defensive steel in the absence of retired legend Sunil Chhetri. The Blue Tigers now look ahead to tougher tests in the group, but last night’s performance has already set a promising tone for India’s Central Asian campaign