Daijiworld Media Network - Tajikistan
Hisor, Tajikistan, Sep 1: India faced a tough 0-3 loss against Iran in their second CAFA Nations Cup 2025 match at the Hisor Central Stadium on Monday. After a goalless first half, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Late goals from substitutes Ali Alipour (89’) and Mehdi Taremi (90+6’) sealed a comprehensive victory for the Asian giants.
Iran, the defending champions and ranked 113 spots above India in the FIFA rankings, started aggressively, testing Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu early on. India’s defense steadied quickly, blocking several Iranian attempts, with notable saves from Gurpreet and solid defending from Rahul Bheke.
India’s first chance came in the 24th minute when Suresh Singh Wangjam’s cross set up Nikhil Prabhu for a shot, which was blocked. As the half progressed, India grew more confident, creating a few promising plays but failing to convert any clear chances.
The second half mirrored the first, with Iran maintaining possession and India focused on defense. Iran’s opening goal came following a lucky rebound after Hosseinzadeh’s header was initially blocked. India’s coach Khalid Jamil made attacking substitutions, including Manvir Singh Jr. and Jithin MS, injecting some energy into the team, but chances went begging.
Iran’s experienced forwards, Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Taremi, proved decisive in the final moments. After a saved shot by Jahanbakhsh, Taremi hit the post but Alipour quickly capitalized to double Iran’s lead. In injury time, Taremi scored again on a swift counterattack, completing the 3-0 scoreline.
Despite spirited efforts, India couldn’t find the breakthrough against a stronger Iranian side, who remain favorites in the tournament.