Tajikistan midfielder Khaitov Azizbek scored the only goal in the ninth minute of the first half. Despite applying sustained pressure and creating several opportunities, the Blue Colts were unable to find an equaliser.

With this victory, Tajikistan secured the U23 Tri-Nation Championship, winning both of their matches while keeping two clean sheets. India finished second with one win, and Bhutan came third without earning any points.

India started aggressively by pressing high and challenging the Tajikistan defence early on. In the eighth minute, Suhail received a precise through ball from Mohammed Sanan but shot wide. However, Tajikistan took the lead a minute later through Azizbek's long-range strike, which deflected off Pramveer Singh's shoulder and deceived Indian goalkeeper Mohan Raj.

India responded positively, with Macarton orchestrating much of the attack and delivering dangerous balls into the box. In the 14th minute, Macarton cut in from the right flank and set up Suhail, whose close-range shot was saved by Tajikistan captain and goalkeeper Gaforov Safarmad.

The game became an end-to-end contest, with both teams creating chances. Tajikistan nearly doubled their lead in the 21st minute, but Mohan Raj made a sharp double save to keep India in the match.

India continued to threaten from the wings, with Sanan providing crosses, though finishing chances did not materialise. Tajikistan's goalkeeper Gaforov sustained an injury mid-first half and was replaced by Mahmudzoda Shahobiddin.

Before half-time, India pressed for the equaliser with efforts from midfielder Tomba Singh and Macarton, but they failed to trouble the substitute goalkeeper. The first half ended with India trailing 0-1.

In the second half, coach Moosa introduced Lalthankima and Lalremtluanga Fanai to bolster the attack. Fanai delivered a dangerous free-kick in the 50th minute, but Pramveer did not manage to connect.

India's offensive pressure continued, nearly scoring just after the hour mark, only to be denied by Mahmudzoda. Mohan Raj also made a timely save to block Gaforov's counterattack.

The best chance for India came in the 69th minute when substitute Adison Singh Thokchom crossed from the left, but Lalthankima missed contact at close range.

As the match progressed, Tajikistan adopted a defensive stance, aiming to counterattack, while India pursued an equaliser relentlessly. In the 78th minute, Lalrinliana Hnamte played a through ball to Suhail, who curled his shot wide under pressure.

India's pressure persisted in the final minutes, with Ronney Wilson making a key interception to maintain the single-goal deficit. In stoppage time, Fanai won a free-kick outside the box, but Suhail's subsequent attempt went over the crossbar.

Despite sustained efforts and multiple chances, the Blue Colts could not break down Tajikistan's resilient defence, with the visitors maintaining their lead to win the U23 Tri-Nation Championship.