AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers: India vs Tajikistan – 5 talking points as young Blue Tigers crash out

After losing their second successive group match, India are not going to Thailand next year to play the AFC U-23 Championship.

After losing to Uzbekistan in their first match, India needed to win against Tajikistan by more than three goals in order to have a chance to qualify. But they conceded a goal in each half to lose 0-2 at the Pakhtakor Central Stadium in Tashkent.

Yodgorov Daler opened the scoring at the half-hour mark to put pressure on the Indians. India tried their best to equalize in the first half but missed all the chances. They were kept quiet in the second half and Tajikistan scored their second through a fine left-footed volley from Solehov Sharafjon.

Let us look at the five talking points of the game:

#5 Missed chances cost India heavily

In a crucial game like this, even half-chances should be capitalised upon. Every coach instructs their players to utilise as many chances as they get. But India, even though they had more shots than their opponent, were terribly short on that front.

The first chance came as early as in the 13th minute. Lallianzuala Chhangte took a delightful free-kick which evaded the entire Tajikistan defence and was met by a strong header from Sarthak Golui. The Tajikistan keeper was alert and saved the initial attempt. The ball fell in between Sarthak and Anwar Ali who made a scramble in front of the goal mouth and by that time, the Tajikistan keeper found his feet and saved the attempt.

Komal Thatal, who has impressed with his stint at ATK, was given the nod ahead of Daniel Lalhlimpuia. He wasted another chance in the 27th minute. Nishu’s throw was cleared by the Tajik defence and the ball kindly fell to Thatal, who chested it down before unleashing a left-footed volley. The distance between him and goal was not very much and if Thatal used his brain more judiciously, it would have been the opening goal for India.

The Indian’s got another chance just before the half-time whistle but unfortunately, Chhangte was caught off-side.

#4 Tajikistan dominated the game

Tajikistan opened the scoring in the 30th minute

From the very first minute, Tajikistan showed they meant business. They took control of the game and created a nice attack in the very first minute and India was fortunate to escape the early scare.

But as time went on, Tajikistan got more grip on their game. Like India, they were playing long balls too but also their short passes were brilliant. They were using the wings to open the Indian defence. They were confident with or without the ball and were using the set-piece brilliantly.

Even when they lost the ball, Tajikistan players chased their opponent until they get the control of the ball again. The constant pressure made the life of Indian players difficult. Their defensive organisation was also good, which didn’t commit too much mistake.

In all, Tajikistan played according to their plan, which was too keep India out of their natural game, and they did it successfully.

#3 Defensive approach hurt India

India had to win the match by more than three goals to have any chance to qualify for the next stage. Given the situation, every team would have attacked right from the word go. Curiously, India were defensive in their approach.

While it was understandable to not gung-ho, India were a little too deep in their own defensive third at most periods of the game.

India created few chances in the first half and could have scored one. But in the second half, they didn’t create a single attack in the opponents' box, even when they had more ball possession than the first half.

All the players were coming after a hectic domestic season which may have taken a toll on their body. There was a lack of intent among the players. The defensive approach cost them both the goals. On the first occasion, the defence was not in position after Anwar Ali lost the ball. And the second one happened due to the casual approach from the players.

#2 Tajikistan were superior technically and physically

Tajikistan player were technically superior — Tajikistan player

After getting hammered against defending champions Uzbekistan in their opening match, India should have taken Tajikistan more seriously. Instead, they were looking off-colour every time Tajikistan made an attack.

In the FIFA ranking, Tajikistan are still below the Indians. But in terms of youth set-up, they are considerably higher. Before this tournament, the players have undergone a nearly four-month-long camp. They have trained in Aspire Academy in Doha and won a four-nation tournament there. After that, they have played several friendlies against Russian and Ukrainian clubs.

On Sunday, they were far more superior to their Indian counterparts. With tall and well-built players, the trumped India on every department. Their understanding was good and it was truly reflected on the field. Indian players caught off-guard whenever Tajikistan made an attack.

Boboev Sheriddin might have failed to register his name on the score-sheet, but he and Solehov Sharafjon have created quite a few troubles for Indian players.

#1 Indian attackers lacked spark

Coach Derrick Pereira opted for a 4-3-3 formation, bringing in Rahil Ali as the central forward, with Lallianzuala Chhangte and Komal Thatal operating from both the sides. The strategy was not fruitful and Chhangte and Thatal had a forgettable day.

Rahim, who played for Indian Arrows in the I-League, had not played every match for his side. He may have played the U-17 World Cup but doesn’t have many goals in his kitty. Putting him as a striker in this crucial match was a gamble, which didn’t work.

Thatal may have impressed with ATK but Tajikistan kept him under tight marking. As a result, he didn’t get enough space to make his trademark run. Chhangte was brilliant in the first half but sadly, he went missing in the next 45 minutes of the game. Daniel was introduced in the second half in place of Thatal but failed to leave a mark.