Down to 10 Men, India U-23 Lose in Final Minutes vs Tajikistan

Image Credit: AIFF

The India U-23 men’s national team endured a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat against hosts Tajikistan U23 in a friendly match played at the TALCO Arena on Wednesday. Despite leading twice and showing strong character, a red card and two late goals in stoppage time saw the game slip from the Blue Colts' grasp.

India began confidently and took the lead in the 33rd minute through Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who calmly slotted home a low cross from Macarton Louis Nickson after a sharp counter-attack.

Tajikistan pushed hard to equalise before half-time but India defended well, with goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey making key interventions to keep the hosts at bay. India went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.

However, the momentum shifted early in the second half when midfielder Ayush Chhetri received a second yellow card, leaving India with 10 men. The hosts capitalised quickly, as Ansor Khabibov equalised in the 59th minute.

Despite the setback, India responded bravely. In the 85th minute, Mohammed Aimen pounced on a loose ball and played a superb through pass to Parthib Sundar Gogoi, who rounded the goalkeeper and scored to restore India’s lead at 2-1.

But the game turned in stoppage time. Muhammadiqbol Davlatov levelled the score at 2-2 in the 91st minute from a free-kick, and just four minutes later, Muhammadali Azizboev scored from a corner to hand Tajikistan a dramatic win.

It was a disappointing finish for India after a spirited performance, but the young side will take valuable lessons and confidence from their attacking display and resilience under pressure.

India U23 will now prepare for their next friendly on June 21.