The Indian men's football team, under the guidance of new head coach Khalid Jamil, faces a formidable challenge against Iran in their second match of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The match is scheduled for today, September 1, 2025, at 5:30 PM IST at the Central Stadium in Hisor, Tajikistan.
Context of the Match
This is the second edition of the biennial CAFA Nations Cup, organized by the Central Asian Football Association. India was a late addition, replacing Malaysia in Group B. India is grouped alongside co-hosts Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. The winner of each group will progress to the final, while the runners-up will compete for third place.
India's Preparation and Initial Success
Khalid Jamil's era began with a 2-1 victory against Tajikistan. This win was attributed to the team's unity and the collective effort of players and staff. Defender Sandesh Jhingan, who scored in the previous match, emphasized the importance of building on the win against Tajikistan to gain momentum for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore in October. Jamil has stressed the need for the team to stay fresh and focused for the tough match against Iran.
Iran: A Force to Reckon With
Iran, currently ranked 20th in the FIFA rankings, is the highest-ranked team in the tournament and a powerhouse in Asian football. They have a rich history, including three AFC Asian Cup titles and multiple FIFA World Cup qualifications. Known for their disciplined defensive structure and fighting spirit, Iran is a formidable opponent. In their opening match of the CAFA Championship, Iran secured a 3-1 victory over Afghanistan.
Team News and Strategy
The Indian squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 has been announced, with some notable absentees, including Sunil Chhetri. Jamil clarified that Chhetri's exclusion was to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Several Mohun Bagan Super Giants players are also unavailable. Iran will be without Mohammad Khodabandelou and Alireza Koushki due to injuries, with Abolfazl Jalali joining the squad as a replacement.
Historical Context
Historically, Iran has dominated India in head-to-head encounters. However, India has secured memorable victories, including a 1-0 win in the 1951 Asian Games final to win the gold medal. In their 11 encounters, Iran has won eight times, while India has won twice, with one draw.
Where to Watch
The India vs. Iran match will be streamed live on FanCode. There will be no TV telecast of the match in India.
