CAFA Nations Cup
In the third-place playoff in Hisor, India keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu capped a resilient display by saving Al Yahmadi’s decisive spot-kick after a tense shootout, sealing a 3-2 win over Oman.
Uzbekistan 1-0 Iran
Despite Iran being reduced to 10 men after Aria Yousefi received a straight red card in the fifth minute, Uzbekistan failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage, with the score remaining 0-0 at the break.
The defending champions continued to withstand Uzbekistan’s pressure in the second half and had a huge reprieve in the fifth minute of the first half of extra time when Eldor Shomurodov sent his spot-kick wide.
As the match remained goalless and was headed towards a shootout, Alijonov delivered the knockout blow in the 120th minute to give Uzbekistan the win and their first title.
India 1-1 Oman
(India won 3-2 on penalties)
Oman broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through Al Yahmadi, putting India on the back foot.
Khalid Jamil’s side kept pressing and finally found their reward in the 80th minute when Udanta Singh rose for a diving header off a long throw-in to level the score. With the game tied at 1-1, the contest moved into extra time.
India seemed to have the advantage after Oman were reduced to 10 men following a red card in the 98th minute for Ali Al Busaidi, but despite dominating possession they couldn’t find a winner.
That set the stage for the dramatic shootout, where Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rahul Bheke converted to give India an early edge and Jithin MS calmly restored the cushion after Oman briefly clawed back.
Udanta missed his chance to finish the contest, but Gurpreet’s crucial save on the final attempt ensured India’s 3-2 triumph.
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