CAFA Nations Cup 2025 - Group B: IR Iran 3-1 Afghanistan; Tajikistan 1-2 India

Hisor: Defending champions Islamic Republic of Iran kicked off their CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Group B campaign in style with a 3-1 win over Afghanistan on Thursday.

In the group’s other fixture, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu starred with a crucial penalty save as India defeated Tajikistan 2-1.

IR Iran 3-1 Afghanistan

Afghanistan struck first through Omid Musawi in the 21st minute, but Majid Hosseini quickly levelled with a header before setting up Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh to put Iran ahead before the interval.

Hosseini sealed the points with his second goal in the 64th minute, capping a commanding display for Team Melli.

Afghanistan showed promise under new head coach Vincenzo Annese, but Iran’s experience and clinical finishing proved the difference.

Tajikistan 1-2 India

India stunned Tajikistan in the fifth minute after Anwar Ali powered home a header off a throw-in to give Khalid Jamil’s side the lead.

Building on the momentum, Sandesh Jhingan doubled the lead eight minutes later when he was the quickest to convert the rebound after Tajikistan keeper Muhriddin Hasanov had saved Rahul Bheke’s header.

Tajikistan reduced the deficit in the 23rd minute when Shahrom Samiev caught the Indian defence napping as he converted coolly past Sandhu.

Gurpreet was kept on his toes throughout the second half and stepped up to save a Rustam Soirov penalty after guessing the right way in the 72nd minute to keep India ahead.

India will play Iran on Monday while Tajikistan will meet Afghanistan.

Photos: CAFA, Tajikistan Football Federation

Group B: IR Iran 3-1 Afghanistan; Tajikistan 1-2 India

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