CAFA Nations Cup
Tajikistan, meanwhile, secured their first win after defeating Afghanistan 2-0.
India 0-3 IR Iran
Iran dominated from the start through Omid Noorafkan and the attacking pace of Mohammad Amin Hazbavi but were denied by goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and a resilient Indian defence.
India looked dangerous on the flanks through Aashique Kuruniyan and Rahul Bheke but failed to create clear chances.
The deadlock was broken in the 59th minute, when Mehdi Zadegan’s incisive ball into the box bypassed Bheke, allowing Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh to calmly slot past Sandhu.
India’s hopes of a comeback faded in the 89th minute when a well-orchestrated Iran move saw Mehdi Taremi drag several defenders, leaving Alireza Jahanbakhsh free on the flank. His initial shot was saved by Sandhu but rebounded off the bar, with Ali Alipour pouncing to double Iran's lead.
Taremi added the third in stoppage time when he latched onto a precise pass from Jahanbakhsh before dispatching a composed finish to seal the win.
Afghanistan 0-2 Tajikistan
Tajikistan took the lead in the 23rd minute when Ekhson Pandzhshanbe converted a penalty to put the hosts ahead at half-time.
Afghanistan fell further behind in the third minute of stoppage time following Shervoni Mabatshoev’s strike.
The result leaves India needing a win against Afghanistan on Thursday to stay in contention for the knockout stage.
Photo: All India Football Federation
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