New Delhi: India defeated higher-ranked Tajikistan 2-1 in their opening match of the CAFA Nations Cup football tournament on Friday, August 29. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu delivered a strong performance with a series of sensational saves, including a spot-kick, as the Blue Tigers started a new era under coach Khalid Jamil.

Defender Anwar Ali opened the scoring in the fifth minute of the match, and c also netted in the 13th minute. The visitors defended brilliantly against Tajikistan for the remaining 75 minutes.

(more to follow)