Khujand (Tajikistan): The Indian football team’s run of losses at the international level continued as they went down 0-3 to Tajikistan in an international friendly here on Wednesday.
Davronov Nuriddin (12th minute), Fatkhuloev Fatkhullo (18th minute) and Akhtam Khamrakulov (90+3) scored for the home team.
The Indians, playing an international friendly after several months, gave a poor account of themselves as Tajikistan looked a far better side in front of 10,000 odd spectators who came in support of the national team.
Tajikistan’s players used the wide areas to good effect as they made forays from the flank.
India’s No. 2 custodian, Sandeep Nandy, who is nearly 39 years old, also wasn’t in his element.
The home team were rewarded as early as the 12th minute when Fatkhullo sprinted down the left and fed the ball to Nuriddin, who tapped the ball in.
Defenders Raju Gaekwad and debutant Arnab Mondal were not in position to stop Nuriddin from scoring.
Conceding an early goal made matters worse for Wim Koevermans’ boys who were without two of their best players Syed Rahim Nabi and Subrata Paul – both dropped from squad.
Tajikistan went up by 2-0 when Vasiev Dilshod dodged past Nirmal Chettri but the latter brought him down just outside the box. Fatkhullo, who assisted during the first goal, curled one perfectly as the ageing Nandy’s desperate late dive wasn’t enough to prevent a second goal.
The only time India had a clear sight at goal was in the 24th minute when left winger Clifford Miranda latched on to a long throw from Raju Gaekwad and unleashed a rasping left-footer.
However the shot was directed straight at the goalie and Tuychiev Alisher didn’t have any problems in punching the ball away.
Age seemed to have caught up with Nandy as the near 40 custodian pulled a muscle and was replaced by Karanjeet Singh just at the stroke of half-time.
“We did our best but Tajikistan were a much superior side,” coach Koevermans said.
“We have learnt a lot from this match. Tajikistan had a much higher tempo,” he added at the post-match press conference.
“I would like to reiterate that it’s important to play international friendlies. We need to develop,” he added.
“Tajikistan were quick and fast. They made it difficult for our boys. Tajikistan, we knew from the FIFA rankings were of much higher level.”
Tajikistan are ranked 114, while India are 145.
“We had our players for five days as it’s the pre-season and they haven’t played for long,” the Dutch coach added. “We move to the Preparatory Camp in Bangalore for the SAFF Championship.”
The Indian squad lands in Bangalore on August 16 and will begin training from next day. (PTI)