Tajikistan announce squad for two friendlies against India

Tajikistan will play India in June international window

One of Asia’s emerging footballing powerhouse, Tajikistan, qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and are all set to host the Blue Tigers for two international friendlies in Hisor, Tajikistan.

Tajikistan did not qualify for any major international or continental tournament for a long time, but in 2023, they went on to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 for the first time in history.

In their AFC Asian Cup debut, they held China to a draw, defeated Lebanon and in the knockout rounds, they pulled a big upset after defeating Asian heavyweights United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Round of 16 before Jordan ceased their dream run in the quarter finals.

They are all set to host India again after these two sides met recently in the CAFA Nations Cup where Khalid Jamil went on to clinch a win on his debut game as Indian national team coach. However, historically Tajikistan is slightly ahead of India in the head-to-head.

They recently had an excellent campaign in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and secured their tickets to Saudi Arabia. They saw a managerial change after Macedonian gaffer Igor Angelovski took over the reins from Georgian gaffer Gela Shekiladze and this will be Angelovski’s first major tournament as head coach.

Tajikistan’s squad for the friendlies

Head Coach: Igor Angelovski

Goalkeepers

• Rustam Yatimov
• Mukhriddin Khasanov
• Daler Azizov
• Zuhriddin Muidinov

Defenders

• Zoir Juraev
• Vakhdat Khanonov
• Rakhmatsho Rakhmatzoda
• Akhtam Nazarov
• Tabrez Islomov
• Alichon Karomatullozoda
• Sodiqjon Kurbonov
• Muso Kakhorov
• Mehrubon Karimov
• Abdusamad Melkimurodov
• Abdullo Sharifov

Midfielders

• Parvizjon Umarboev
• Ehsoni Panjshanbe
• Shervoni Mabatshoev
• Alisher Shukurov
• Alisher Jalilov
• Amirbek Juraev
• Muhammadjon Rahimov
• Salokhiddin Irgashev
• Furkon Rahimzoda
• Jamshed Maksumov

Forwards

• Shakhrom Samiev
• Shreiddin Boboev
• Rustam Soirov
• Daler Sharifov
• Faridun Davlatov
• Nuriddin Hamrokulov

This looks like a very balanced squad on paper. Some of the big names, like Rustam Yatimov, who plays in the Russian topflight for FC Rostov, and Parvizjon Umarboev of Lokomotiv Plovdiv, have also made it to the squad.

It will be interesting to see how the squad adapts to the tactics of new coach Igor Angelovski from Macedonia.

Fixtures of Tajikistan tour

1st Friendly

• Tajikistan vs India
• Venue: Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor
• Date: 5 June 2026
• Time: 8:30 PM IST

2nd Friendly

• Tajikistan vs India
• Venue: Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor
• Date: 9 June 2026
• Time: 8:30 PM IST

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