Tajikistan defeated India 3-1 in Igor Angelovski’s first match as head coach of the national team.
The friendly was played at TALCO Arena in Tursunzoda and marked Tajikistan’s first match since the appointment of the Macedonian specialist.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Angelovski said the two friendlies against India were important for preparation and for assessing the players.
“We want to see maximum commitment, discipline and quality of play. I hope the fans will come to the stadiums and support our national team. Their energy and support always give the team extra strength. We will do everything possible to please our supporters with a good performance and a positive result,” Angelovski said.
Tajikistan started the match in control. In the opening minutes, Ehsoni Panjshanbe earned a penalty, which Sheriddin Boboev converted in the 9th minute.
India tried to respond after conceding but failed to equalise before half-time. After the break, Tajikistan regained the initiative and scored twice more. Mehrubon Karimov made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute, and six minutes later Panjshanbe added the third.
India pulled one back late in the game. In the 89th minute, Farukh Choudhary scored from a free-kick to make it 3-1.
In Tajikistan, the result was seen as a solid start under Angelovski, while Indian media were far more critical. During the match, they noted that India struggled to control the ball, lacked movement in midfield and created little in attack apart from long throws. After Tajikistan’s third goal, India’s defence was described as being in complete disarray. Choudhary’s late free-kick remained the only positive moment for the visitors.
The match also carried extra context. In August 2025, India beat Tajikistan 2-1 in the group stage of the CAFA Nations Cup. That result became part of India’s run to the bronze medals, as they later defeated Oman on penalties in the third-place match.
Tajikistan’s win also drew attention in North Macedonia. Local sports media presented it as a successful Asian debut for Angelovski. Ekipa, MKD, Sportmanija and Gol all noted that the former North Macedonia head coach, widely known at home by his nickname “Mrme”, began his Tajikistan tenure with a win over India.
The second friendly between Tajikistan and India will be played on 9 June at the Central Stadium in Hisor.