The head coach of the Tajikistan national team, Gela Shekiladze, has decided on the team for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025 tournament, which will be held in Hissar from August 29 to September 4.
The expanded application included 35 players, but 23 players will start training, according to the Football Federation of Tajikistan (FFT). The team's training camp started on August 25 at the technical center in Varzoba. Tajikistan's participation in the tournament is an important stage in preparation for the qualifying round of the 2030 World Cup and the future Asian Cup.
The peculiarity of the current challenge lies in the fact that several football players are simultaneously involved in the youth national team, which at the same time is preparing for the 2026 Asian Cup qualifying tournament. In this regard, the coaching staff plans to strengthen the composition of the main team with youth players during the tournament.
Tajikistan will play in Group B against three teams: India on August 29, Afghanistan on September 1, and Iran on September 4. All meetings will be held at the Central Stadium of Hissar. The first match against India will start at 20:30.
For the Tajik national team, participation in the CAFA Nations Cup is a chance not only to test their strength before qualifying for the Asian Cup, but also to strengthen team cooperation. Head coach Gela Shekiladze noted that the team's task is to compete for victory, as well as to give young players a chance to prove themselves internationally.
The players will have an intensive training cycle, and special attention will be paid to working in attack and realizing chances. The tournament promises to be intense, because the rivals are the strong teams of the region, and the match against Iran is already called the key in the group.
Tajikistan's national team for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 tournament
Goalkeepers: Rustam Yatimov (Rostov, Russia), Oleg Baklov (Turan Tovuz, Azerbaijan), Muhriddin Hasanov (Istiqlol), Daler Azizov (Khosilot).
Defenders: Vakhdat Khanonov (Sepahan, Iran), Zoir Juraboev (Sogdiana, Uzbekistan), Akhtam Nazarov, Manuchehr Safarov, Tabrez Islomov (all Istiqlol), Alijon Karomatullozoda (Ravshan), Daler Imomnazarov (Regar–TadAZ).
Midfielders: Parviz Umarboev (Lokomotiv, Bulgaria), Alisher Jalilov, Amirbek Juraboev, Ehsoni Panjshanbeh (all Istiqlol), Shervoni Mabatshoev (Regar–TadAZ), Alisher Shukurov (Khujand), Shukhrat Elmurodov (Regar–TadAZ), Mehron Madaminov (Barkchi").
Forwards: Shahrom Samiev (Khorezm, Uzbekistan), Rustam Soirov (Istiqlol), Nuriddin Khamrokulov (Vakhsh), Sheriddin Boboev (Ravshan).
