India aim to bounce back against Tajikistan in second friendly
The Blue Tigers suffered a defeat in their first friendly in Hisor.
The Indian football team aim to get back on winning ways against Tajikistan in the second international friendly at the TALCO Arena, Tursunzoda, in Tajikistan, on Tuesday (9th June 2026).
Khalid Jamil’s men suffered a 1-3 defeat on the road in the earlier game. Farukh Choudhary’s free-kick goal in the dying minutes came out as the only positive for the Blue Tigers.
The Stakes
Tajikistan
Tajikistan kicked off the Igor Angelovski era with a dominating win over the Blue Tigers. The hosts controlled the proceedings from the very beginning and created waves of attacks on the Indian defensive organisation.
Tajikistan are now on a six-match unbeaten streak. Angelovski’s men will aim to build on their unbeaten streak and maintain their positive momentum with another victory over the Blue Tigers.
India
The Blue Tigers’ recent form has been nothing but horrible. Coming off a disappointing AFC Asian Cup qualification exit to Unity Cup failure, the Blue Tigers are going through turmoil in their recent outings.
Jamil’s men have been seen struggling in front of the goal. Lallianzuala Chhangte and Co. may have created chances through the flanks but failed to convert those into goals, resulting in mounting pressure at the backline.
In the absence of Anwar Ali in the defence line, Sandesh Jhingan should take extra initiative to prevent the team from conceding. The Blue Tigers failed to record a clean sheet in their last nine outings, stressing the significance of defensive improvements.
Team News
Tajikistan announced a strong squad for these friendlies as preparation for their upcoming matches.
On the other side, Ryan Williams and Anwar Ali are two of the notable names among India’s absentee list due to injuries. Khalid Jamil’s team also lacked the availability of Mohun Bagan Super Giant players, impacting the squad strength.
Head-to-Head Record
Matches Played – 7
India wins – 2
Tajikistan wins – 4
Draws – 1
Also Read: India fall to Tajikistan in international friendly
Predicted Lineups
Tajikistan (4-3-3)
Rustam Yatimov (GK), Zoir Dzhuravoyev, Sodjikjon Kurbonov, Vahdat Hananov, Ahktam Nazarov, Parvizdzhon Umarbayev, Ehson Panjshanbe, Amirbek Juraboev, Shervoni Mabatshoev, Sheriddin Boboev, Shahrom Samiev
India (3-5-2)
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Nikhil Poojary, Ricky Shabong, Macarton Louis Nickson, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap, Farukh Choudhary, Rahim Ali
Players to watch out for
Sheriddin Boboev (Tajikistan)
Sheriddin Boboev has been a constant threat to the Blue Tigers’ defenders in the previous match. The forward scored the opener and came close to scoring a couple of times during the game.
The PSM Makassar forward has five goals in 29 appearances for the national team. His ability to position himself inside the opposition box, attract the defenders, and convert the chances to goals with composure makes him an integral part of Tajikistan’s offensive setup.
Farukh Choudhary (India)
Farukh Choudhary remains the only positive aspect from India’s 1-3 loss in the earlier friendly game. The Chennaiyin FC striker came on as a substitute and netted the solitary goal with his clinical finish from a set-piece.
The versatile forward recorded two goal contributions in the ISL 2025-26 season. He was also featured in the Super Cup with the Marina Machans.
Did you know?
- India have only managed one win in their last six international matches.
- Tajikistan has only conceded four goals in their last seven matches, keeping four clean sheets.
Telecast Details
The first international friendly between India and Tajikistan will take place at the TALCO Arena, Tursunzoda, on Friday, 5 June (2026).
The match will kick off at 8:30 PM IST and will be streamed live on the Football TV Tajikistan YouTube Channel. Fans can catch all the action from anywhere using their phones, tablets, or other smart devices.
When will India play against Tajikistan?
India will play against India on June 9.
Who scored the solitary goal in India’s 1-3 loss?
Farukh Choudhary scored the solitary goal in India’s 1-3 loss.
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Shibashis is a sports journalist with over three years of experience covering Indian football. His work spans reporting, writing, and editing, with a strong focus on telling stories from across the Indian football landscape. Passionate about both Indian and European football, he continues to build his career by combining sharp reporting with a deep love for the game.