Shillong, Mar 31: India lost 1-0 to Tajikistan in the deciding fixture of the U-23 Tri-Nation Championship 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh this evening.
A first-half goal by Tajikistan midfielder Khaitov Azizbek (9’) proved to be the difference as the Blue Colts, despite creating a number of chances and applying sustained pressure, were unable to find the equaliser.
With this result, Tajikistan clinched the championship with two wins from two matches, maintaining clean sheets in both outings. India finished second with one win, having beaten Bhutan 5-0 three days ago. Beating tiny Bhutan was to be expected and the real test was always going to be Tajikistan.
Meghalaya’s Ronney Kharbudon was in the starting line-up for both matches and played the full 90 minutes in each.
The FC Goa player had made his India U-23 debut in November last year in a friendly against Thailand.
Today the Blue Colts began on the front foot, pressing high and putting the Tajikistan defence under early pressure. Suhail had an early opportunity in the eighth minute, latching onto a precise through ball from Mohammed Sanan, but rushed his effort wide.
However, Tajikistan took the lead a minute later. Azizbek’s long-range strike took a deflection off Pramveer Singh’s shoulder, wrong-footing India goalkeeper Mohan Raj, who could not do much to stop the ball from finding its way into the net.
India responded positively and continued to carve out chances. Macarton was at the heart of much of the attacking play, delivering dangerous balls into the box. In the 14th minute, he cut through the right flank and squared it perfectly for Suhail, but the forward’s point-blank effort was denied by Tajikistan captain and goalkeeper Gaforov Safarmad.
The contest evolved into an end-to-end affair, with both sides creating opportunities. Tajikistan came close to doubling their lead in the 21st minute through a well-worked move, but Mohan Raj produced a sharp double save to keep India in the game.
India continued to threaten from wide areas, with Sanan delivering inviting crosses, but the finishing touch eluded the forwards. Tajikistan goalkeeper Gaforov was forced off due to injury midway through the first half, with Mahmudzoda Shahobiddin taking his place between the posts.
As the half progressed, India pushed for the equaliser. Midfielder Tomba Singh and Macarton attempted efforts from distance, but failed to trouble the substitute goalkeeper. Despite their attacking intent, the Blue Colts went into the break trailing 1-0.
Moosa introduced Lalthankima and Lalremtluanga Fanai at the start of the second half to add more attacking impetus. The changes injected fresh energy, with Fanai delivering a dangerous free-kick into the box in the 50th minute, though Pramveer could not get on the end of it.
The Blue Colts’ best opportunity came in the 69th minute when substitute Adison Singh Thokchom delivered a teasing cross from the left, but Lalthankima failed to make contact with the goal at his mercy.
As the clock ticked down, Tajikistan dropped deep and looked to hit on the break, while India searched relentlessly for an equaliser. Lalrinliana Hnamte threaded a fine through ball to Suhail in the 78th minute, but the striker, under pressure, curled his effort wide.
India continued to push in the closing stages, with Ronney making a crucial interception late on to keep the deficit at one goal. In stoppage time, Fanai won a free-kick just outside the box, but Suhail’s attempt sailed over the crossbar.
Despite a spirited effort and a flurry of chances, the Blue Colts could not breach the resolute Tajikistan defence, as the visitors held on to secure the victory and lift the U-23 Tri-Nation Championship title.
(Photo from India’s match against Bhutan)
