Tajikistan vs India: Top three player battles to watch out for in CAFA Nations Cup

It is India’s maiden CAFA Nations Cup appearance

Indian Football team is set to kick off their 2025 CAFA Nations Cup campaign against hosts Tajikistan at the Hisor Central Stadium on Friday, 29th August 2025. Iran and Afghanistan are the other two teams in India’s group, whom they will play on September 1st and 4th, respectively.

The top teams from the two groups will advance directly to the final, whereas the two second placed teams will contest a playoff for third place. It is India’s first-ever appearance in the tournament, which last happened in 2023.

Ranked 104th, 23 spots above India in the FIFA ranking, Tajikistan will go into their opener with the intention to pick up all three points and gain a solid start to their campaign. In this article, we take a look at three player encounters across the pitch that could decide the fate of the game.

Also Read: India to play their first match in CAFA Nations Cup 2025 on August 29; check full schedule

3. Akhtam Nazarov vs Lallianzuala Chhangte

At the ripe age of 32, Akhtam Nazarov is the most experienced player in the entire Tajikistan team. He has a whopping 93 appearances for Tajikistan. Known for his intelligence and overlapping runs, the left-back has been a mainstay in the Tajikistan defense for the better part of the last decade.

It will be Lallianzuala Chhangte who will be tasked with taking Nazarov on, time and again, to produce chances for the Blue Tigers. Chhangte has been highly impactful for Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) for the past few seasons.

The right winger will be hoping that his pace is enough to trouble a resolute Nazarov, who will also threaten the Indian right-back on the overlap. It will be a tight contest between the two on the far side of the pitch.

2. Parvizdzhon Umarbayev vs Suresh Singh Wangjam

Suresh Singh’s box to box midfield role will become a challenge to fulfill due to the looming threat of Parvizdzhon Umarbayev in the number 10 role. Umarbayev, the captain of Tajikistan, a product of Russian side Rubin Kazan, has played for a number of teams in Europe.

Known for his darting runs and linkup play with the strikers, Umarbayev also has an eye for goal, with 11 goals for his nation. Suresh Singh Wangjam is India’s best bet at tackling the wily Tajik playmaker, with Lalengmawia Ralte unavailable for the tournament.

Suresh has been a regular feature for the Blue Tigers in recent years, his stamina and gritty nature making life difficult for opposition midfielders. Despite not being particularly tall, Suresh more than makes up for it with his relentless pressing.

1. Shahrom Samiev vs Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is back to being India’s number 1 choice in goal after Mohun Bagan chose not to release their players, which included Vishal Kaith who has been in terrific form in the past year under the Bagan crossbar.

Shahrom Samiev is Tajikistan’s best weapon in the attacking artillery. Standing at six feet and eleven inches, the 24-year-old has a penchant of scoring goals, with ten scored for the national team in 42 appearances. Having played in countries like Belarus, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Russia, Samiev is no stranger to top goalkeepers.

However, it is perhaps a bit more personal for Gurpreet who will want to reclaim his spot as the starting keeper after having been dropped from the squad in the past year. It will be a tantalizing watch to see the two lock horns to win a crucial game for their nations.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.