India faced Afghanistan in a crucial CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Group B match at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan on September 4, 2025. The Blue Tigers, under coach Khalid Jamil, aimed for a victory to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the playoff stage.
The Stakes
India needed a win against Afghanistan to ensure progression to the third-place play-off, provided Tajikistan did not upset Iran. A draw might have been enough if the Iran-Tajikistan match also ended in a draw or an Iranian victory. However, a defeat would have resulted in elimination. Coach Jamil emphasized the team's focus on securing a win rather than dwelling on various permutations.
Team News and Starting XI
India was without key defender Sandesh Jhingan due to injury.
India's Starting XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (gk), Rahul Bheke (c), Anwar Ali, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh, Irfan Yadwad, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Valpuia, Jithin MS, Muhammed Uvais, Ashique Kuruniyan.
Afghanistan's Starting XI: Faisal Ahmad Hamidi (gk), Zelfagar Nazary (c), Amid Arezou, Mahboon Hanifi, Balal Arezou, Taufee Skandanri, Qamaruddin Maziar, Kouhyar, Yama Sherzad, Mohammad Naeem Rahimi, Ali Reza, Panahi, Omid Musawi.
Match Context
India had a mixed run in the tournament, securing a 2-1 victory against Tajikistan and suffering a 3-0 defeat against Iran. Afghanistan, already out of contention, were eager to play spoiler, especially after their surprise win over India in a World Cup qualifier the previous year.
Historically, India held the upper hand against Afghanistan, with 13 wins in their head-to-head record, while Afghanistan had won only twice, and seven matches ended in draws. However, Afghanistan had defeated India 2-1 in their most recent encounter in the World Cup qualifiers. India's last win against Afghanistan was three years prior, a 2-1 victory in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Key Player Battles
With Sandesh Jhingan's absence, Rahul Bheke was expected to move to the center-back position, potentially opening an opportunity for Valpuia at right-back. The match presented intriguing player battles, including Omid Musawi vs Valpuia and Taufee Skandari vs Rahul Bheke.
Broadcast Information
The match was streamed live on FanCode in India.
