Tajikistan 3 (Sheriddin Boboev 9'p, Mekhrubon Karimov 62', Ehsoni Panshanbe 68')
beat
India 1 (Farukh Choudhary 89')

AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The Indian men's national team suffered a 1-3 defeat to Tajikistan at the TALCO Arena in Tursunzoda on Friday, June 5, 2026, in the first of two international friendlies during the June FIFA Match Window.

Sheriddin Boboev gave Tajikistan an early lead from the penalty spot in the ninth minute before Mekhrubon Karimov and Ehsoni Panshanbe struck in the second half. Farukh Choudhary scored a late consolation for India with a well-taken free-kick in the 89th minute. Pramveer, Albino Gomes and Parthib Gogoi made their international debuts for India in the match.

Defensive lapses and missed opportunities proved costly as Tajikistan struck during crucial moments of the contest. The hosts made the perfect start and were ahead before India could settle into the game. In the ninth minute, Macarton Nickson conceded a penalty, and Sheriddin Boboev stepped up confidently and blasted the ball into the roof of the net, sending captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu the wrong way.

The early setback left India chasing the game, but they managed to create some promising moments. Edmund Lalrindika produced an audacious bicycle-kick attempt from a loose ball inside the area, although he accidentally caught Mekhrubon Karimov in the face during the process. Soon after, Rahul Bheke launched a long throw-in into the box. Sandesh Jhingan challenged for the aerial ball before it dropped kindly for Lallianzuala Chhangte, who made a quick turn and then saw his shot pushed away for a corner by Rustam Yatimov.

Yet India's front three struggled to make a meaningful impact. Edmund, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Vikram frequently found themselves isolated, while the midfield lacked the shape and creativity needed to support them.

India's best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 39th minute. Akash Mishra delivered an inviting cross from the left, and Edmund rose highest to direct a powerful header towards goal. The effort beat the goalkeeper but brushed against the crossbar.

The frustration continued two minutes later when Akash once again produced a dangerous delivery into the area. This time, Chhangte met the cross with a header, but his effort was directed straight at Yatimov.

Those missed opportunities proved costly. The start of the second half followed a similar pattern, with Tajikistan looking more composed and threatening. The hosts doubled their lead in the 62nd minute when Karimov rose above the Indian defence to head home a well-delivered free-kick.

Just six minutes later, the hosts got their third. Alijon Karomatullozoda burst down the right flank and delivered a low cross into the six-yard box, where Ehsoni Panshanbe arrived unmarked to calmly slot home.

India coach Khalid Jamil responded with a triple substitution in the 69th minute, introducing Farukh Choudhary, Mohammad Sanan and Nikhil Barla. Later, Bijoy Varghese earned only his second international cap when he replaced Jhingan, while Pramveer made his senior India debut after coming on for Bheke in the 82nd minute.

The evening also marked another landmark moment as goalkeeper Albino Gomes replaced Gurpreet Singh Sandhu for his senior India debut. Two minutes later, Parthib Gogoi was handed his first international appearance when he came on for Jeakson Singh Thounaojam.

India eventually found a consolation goal in the 89th minute. Edmund won a free-kick just outside the box, and Farukh stepped up for it. The substitute kept his effort low and precise, finding the bottom-left corner with a clever finish for his third goal in the Indian shirt.

The late strike offered little more than consolation, however, as Tajikistan secured a 3-1 victory. The two teams will meet again at the Hisor Central Stadium on June 9, with India hoping to show significant improvement after a disappointing result.

India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK, C) (Albino Gomes 82'), Akash Mishra, Sandesh Jhingan (Bijoy Varghese 82'), Rahul Bheke (Pramveer 82'), Nikhil Poojary (Nikhil Barla 69'), Macarton Nickson (Farukh Choudhary 69'), Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mohammad Sanan 69'), Jeakson Singh Thounaojam (Parthib Gogoi 84'), Ricky Shabong, Edmund Lalrindika, Vikram Partap Singh.