CAFA Nations Cup: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defenders shine; India beat higher-ranked Tajikistan 2-1

India secured a 2-1 victory over Tajikistan in their opening match of the CAFA Nations Cup football tournament in Hisor on Friday. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu delivered an outstanding performance with multiple crucial saves, including a penalty save.India, ranked 133rd in the world, took an early lead through defender Anwar Ali in the 5th minute, followed by Sandesh Jhingan's goal in the 13th minute. The team then maintained a defensive stance against the 106th-ranked hosts for the remaining 75 minutes.The match marked a successful debut for new India head coach Khalid Jamil, with captain Gurpreet returning to the starting lineup after being sidelined under former coach Manolo Marquez."Indian fans had waited for this result for a long time. I know we defended deep at times but we are still rusty but we need to build on this win. We need to show more character against Iran," Jhingan said in a snap interview.Despite struggling in attack, India's center-backs Anwar and Jhingan stepped up to end India's three-game scoring drought within the first 15 minutes.The team's formation reflected Jamil's tactical approach, with fullbacks Rahul Bheke and Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal initially providing attacking support before adopting a more defensive role.

Anwar Ali opened the scoring with a header following Uvais's long throw-in from the left. The goal was awarded to Anwar after a Tajik defender's attempted clearance rebounded off another player into the net.Jhingan doubled India's lead when he capitalized on a rebound after goalkeeper Muhriddin Hasanov partially saved Bheke's powerful header from Anwar's left-footed cross.India's shift to a defensive approach allowed the hosts to gain momentum.

Tajikistan's Sheriddin Boboev set up Shahrom Samiev, who beat Jhingan and scored past Gurpreet to make it 2-1 in the 23rd minute.The Indian midfield struggled to make an impact, with Suresh Singh Wangjam and Lallianzuala Chhangte having minimal influence on the game.Tajikistan started the second half strongly, testing Gurpreet with several shots on target. Jamil responded with three substitutions, bringing on Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nikhil Prabhu, and Danish Farooq.India's forwards Vikram Partap Singh and Irfan Yadawad had limited involvement due to the midfield's focus on defensive duties and lack of service.Tajikistan earned a penalty when Vikram Partap Singh fouled Rustam Soirov in the box. Gurpreet made a crucial save, diving to his right to deny Soirov's spot-kick.In the 85th minute, substitute Naorem Mahesh's powerful left-footed shot was saved by Hasanov. Gurpreet made another impressive save late in the game, his fifth of the second half, to secure India's victory.