Kathmandu, Mar 10 (IANS): Tajikistan beat India 2-0 in the second match of Group B in the AFC Challenge Cup, played at the Dashrath Stadium here Friday.

Both of Tajikistan's goals came in the second half. First Khamarokulov Akhtam gave his team the lead in the 60th minute while Davronov Nuriddin doubled the score in the 66th minute.

India started the first half aggressively. They made inroads into the rival territory on a number of occasions.

The first clear chance for India came in the 16th minute. From Nabi's cross, Rocus Lamare attempted to score but it was saved by the Tajik custodian, Tuychiev Alisher.

A minute later, collecting from an unselfish Sunil Chhetri, Anthony Pereira wasted another chance when his shot went over the bars.

The first half, which was dominated by India, remained the story of missed chances.

Changing Over, Tajikistan made a comeback in the game while the Indians were also equal to the task. But in the 60th minute Tajikstan took full advantage of a defensive lapse when Akhtam found the back of the net on a rebound.

Six minutes later, Tajikistan doubled the lead through Nuriddin. In the rest of the half, India kept pushing to score, but poor finishing upfront didn't help them.