Overview

• India led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Suhail Ahmad Bhat’s 33rd-minute strike before midfielder Ayush Chhetri was sent off early in the second half.
• Parthib Sundar Gogoi’s 85th-minute goal restored India’s advantage but hosts Tajikistan struck back with injury-time goals from Muhammadiqbol Davlatov (90+1’) and Muhammadali Azizboev (90+5’).
• The match at TALCO Arena in Tursunzoda marked the first friendly of India’s Tajikistan tour following a training camp in Kolkata.
• The 10-man finish highlighted the impact of discipline under pressure and offered valuable insights into India’s defensive organisation.
• The game was part of a series of tune-up fixtures designed to finalise India’s squad and tactics ahead of next month’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.