India has secured a spot in the third-place playoff of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 after a tense group-stage finish.
The Blue Tigers drew 0–0 against Afghanistan in their final Group B match at the Hisor Central Stadium, leaving their fate dependent on the outcome of the Iran vs Tajikistan clash.
Fortunately for India, a 2–2 draw between IR Iran and host nation Tajikistan ensured that Khalid Jamil’s squad finished second in the group with four points — the same as Tajikistan, but ahead on head-to-head record thanks to their 2–1 win earlier in the tournament.
Iran topped Group B with seven points, while Afghanistan exited with just one. India will now face the second-placed team from Group A in the third-place match on September 8. As of now, Oman and Uzbekistan are tied on four points each, with identical goal differences and goals scored, making the final group matches on September 5 crucial for determining India’s opponent.
India’s gritty performance and strategic resilience have kept their campaign alive, offering fans hope for a podium finish in the prestigious regional tournament.
