The Indian national football team, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil, has secured a historic victory against Oman in the CAFA (Central Asian Football Association) Nations Cup. The Blue Tigers defeated Oman 3-2 in a penalty shootout to clinch third place in the tournament, marking their first-ever win against Oman in international football.

The match between India and Oman in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 third-place playoff was a thrilling contest. After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, the game went to a penalty shootout. Oman took the lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Yahmadi, but India responded in the 80th minute through Udanta Singh, who scored with a diving header. Despite Oman being reduced to 10 men in extra time, India couldn't capitalize, leading to the penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu emerged as the hero, saving Oman's final penalty to secure the win. Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul Bheke, and Jithin MS successfully converted their penalties for India. This victory not only earned India the bronze medal but also marked a significant achievement in the team's history.

The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 was held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29 to September 8. India participated in the tournament as a guest team, replacing Malaysia. This win is a positive start for Khalid Jamil, who was appointed as the head coach of the Indian men's national team on August 1, 2025. He is the first Indian to hold the position in over a decade, succeeding Savio Medeira, who coached the team from 2011 to 2012. Jamil's appointment comes at a time when Indian football is aiming for a fresh direction.

Khalid Jamil, a former India international, brings a wealth of domestic coaching experience to the national team. He has coached several top-tier Indian clubs, including Aizawl FC, with whom he won the I-League title in 2016-17. He also led NorthEast United FC to the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs in the 2020-21 season, becoming the first Indian coach to achieve this feat. Jamil was managing Jamshedpur FC before his appointment as the national team coach.

The CAFA Nations Cup allows for squad selection before each match, offering Jamil the chance to assess a broader pool of players. Jamil signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for another year. The Indian team, currently ranked 133rd in the FIFA rankings, showcased resilience and composure under pressure to secure the victory against Oman. This win provides a positive momentum for India as they prepare for future tournaments and aim to improve their standing in international football.