Kolkata, Aug. 31 -- Defenders making the difference in both penalty boxes in India's 2-1 win against Tajikistan was proof of Khalid Jamil making an impact in his first match as head coach. Sandesh Jhingan scored from a move that was started by Anwar Ali. The first goal has been marked an own-goal but it was Ali's powerful goal-bound header that led to the botched goal-line clearance. It would have been the perfect birthday gift for the central defender who turned 25 on Thursday. A fourth international goal was denied but Ali showed he has carried his East Bengal form to Hisor, Tajikistan, where India began their CAFA Nations Cup campaign with a win against a higher-ranked team (Tajikistan are 106 in FIFA rankings, India 133) for the first time since July 1, 2023. The kind of form that is helping Ali get on the scoresheet this term after one assist and no goals in 34 Indian Super League (ISL) games. "I like testing the goalkeeper from range," he told HT. Tall, strong, comfortable shooting with both feet and good in the air, Ali would have continued playing as a forward had Minerva Academy owner Ranjit Bajaj not suggested he try out as defensive midfielder and centre-back. "I was tall for my age. He said I could stop if I didn't like it. But I liked playing in deep defence. And moving up occasionally," said Ali. Things have gone swimmingly for Ali so far though it is early in the season. What hasn't is a transfer saga that shows no sign of ending. "Football means everything to me," he said, the statement assuming greater significance because Ali had to move court to be allowed to play after being diagnosed with a heart condition. The right to play came close to being taken away again almost one year ago when Ali's five-year deal with East Bengal was challenged by Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Players' Status Committee (PSC) of the All India Football Federation banned Ali for four months. The order was set aside in court but the matter continues to be heard by PSC and AIFF's appeals committee. "I have stopped thinking about my transfer because otherwise it will be impossible to carry on," he said. "Last year, it affected my performance. I had to tell myself to not let my life be influenced by what others thought of me." The only national team starter at East Bengal means Ali has grown. "I need to work on my communication but I feel like a senior player now, one who needs to carry the team with him," he said....