India upset Tajikistan as Jamil era starts with rare win

This was perhaps the best start anyone has had to their national team coaching career. India struck twice inside the first 13 minutes against hosts Tajikistan and then did enough in defence to register an impressive 2-1 win in their opening match of the CAFA Nations Cup at the Hisor Central Stadium on Friday.

This was a dream start for Khalid Jamil, India’s first full-time domestic coach in a decade. A win against a team higher-ranked opponent, away, in his first game in-charge, and that too against a team which India last defeated 17 years ago. All this with several regulars missing. It all started with Anwar Ali’s header in the fourth minute being turned into his own goal by Tajikistan defender Alijon Karomatullozoda from inside a crowded goalmouth.

The second was scored by another defender, Sandesh Jhingan, who was on hand to tap home a rebound after the rival goalkeeper failed to stop Rahul Bheke’s effort. Both goals originated from throw-ins, not surprising for those who have followed Jamil’s teams over the years. Tajikistan saw plenty of the ball, created chances, before Shahrom Samiev pulled a goal back in the 23rd minute. The forward did well to push past Jhingan and hammer home after Ehsoni Panshanbe and Sheriddin Boboev had done well to get the ball inside the box.

In the second half, Tajikistan continued to dominate proceedings as India defended with lines of four, sometimes even five. Tajikistan even won a penalty, which replays suggest was soft, as Vikram Partap was adjudged to have brought down Rustam Soirov in the 70th minute. Soirov himself stepped up to take the penalty, brilliantly saved by captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, back in the India squad for the first time this year.