The India U-23 men's national team faced a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat against Tajikistan U-23 in a friendly match held at the TALCO Arena in Tursunzoda, Tajikistan, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Ayush Chhetri's sending off early in the second half, the Blue Colts displayed commendable resilience and even led twice in the game.
India started the match brightly, creating a few early chances. Mohammed Sanan's cross found Vinith Venkatesh, but his volley lacked direction. Tajikistan responded with a free-kick that Faridun Davlatov headed over the bar. India then capitalized on a counter-attack in the 33rd minute when Macarton Louis Nickson delivered a precise low cross to Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who finished with a single touch to give India a 1-0 lead.
Tajikistan pushed for an equalizer before halftime, with Ansor Khabibov crossing to Shahboz Khabibov, but India goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey punched the ball away. The Blue Colts maintained their lead into the break.
The complexion of the game changed significantly in the second half. India midfielder Ayush Chhetri was shown a red card just ten minutes after the restart, leaving India with ten men. Tajikistan capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Ansor Khabibov converting a cross from Muso Khakhorov in the 59th minute to level the score.
Despite being a man down, India remarkably regained the lead in the 85th minute. Mohammed Aimen intercepted a ball and played a through ball to Parthib Sundar Gogoi, who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home, making it 2-1.
However, the hosts mounted a late comeback, scoring twice in injury time to snatch the victory. Muhammadiqbol Davlatov equalized from a free-kick in the 90+1st minute, and Muhammadali Azizboev headed in a corner in the 90+5th minute to seal a 3-2 win for Tajikistan.
India U-23's Priyansh Dubey (GK), Pramveer, Dippendu Biswas (Muhammed Saheef 82'), Bikash Yumnam (C), Suhail Ahmad Bhat (Parthib Sundar Gogoi 70'), Mohammed Sanan K (Mohammed Aimen 64'), Lalrinliana Hnamte (Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh 70'), Ayush Chhetri, Macarton Louis Nickson (Lalremtluanga Fanai 64'), Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Vinith Venkatesh (Korou Singh Thingujam 70').
Despite the loss, the match provided valuable experience for the India U-23 team as they prepare for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in September. They will face Bahrain, Qatar, and Brunei Darussalam in their quest to qualify for the continental event. The team will look to bounce back in their next friendly match against the Kyrgyz Republic on June 21.
