Iran’s Experience Proves Too Much for India: Blue Tigers Suffer 0-3 Defeat in CAFA Nations Cup
India’s men’s football team suffered a 0-3 defeat to defending champions Iran in their second Group B match of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The match was held at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan on Monday. Despite a goalless first half, Iran’s superior depth and experience in the final third proved too much for the Blue Tigers.
In the first half, India defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu making crucial saves to deny Iran’s Mohammad Amin Hazbavi and Omid Noorafkan. India created their first chance in the 24th minute, but Nikhil Prabhu’s shot was blocked.
Iran opened the scoring in the 60th minute with Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh’s goal, which came after a deflection off Rahul Bheke’s block. Substitutes Ali Alipour and Mehdi Taremi sealed the win with late goals in the 89th and 90+6 minutes, respectively.
The Indian team showed improved confidence as the game progressed, creating some attacking plays, particularly through Vikram Partap Singh on the right wing. Despite their efforts, India struggled to breach Iran’s defense, with their best chance in the second half coming from Manvir Singh Jr.’s cross, which found Rahul Bheke at the near post, but his header went wide.
Iran tops Group B with two wins from two matches, while India is second with one win and one loss, having previously defeated Tajikistan 2-1. Afghanistan and Tajikistan will play their second match of Group B later in the day, which will determine the group’s standings. India’s next match is against Afghanistan on September 4, and they will need to win to maintain their second-place position in the group. A win between Afghanistan and Tajikistan would also be beneficial for India’s chances.
Loading ...
