Struggling India Face Tough Oman Test In CAFA Third-Place Match

Last Updated:September 07, 2025, 22:52 IST

India reached the CAFA Nations Cup play-offs but face attacking struggles as they prepare for a third-place match against Oman, led by Carlos Queiroz, in Hisor on Monday.

Indian football team.

India reached the play-offs in their first CAFA Nations Cup participation. However, this achievement should not overshadow the team’s attacking struggles as they aim for a stronger performance against Oman in the third-place match on Monday.

Both Oman and India finished second in their respective groups, setting up the contest for third place. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Iran will compete in the final in Tashkent, also on Monday, after topping Group A and B respectively.

The eight-team tournament is co-hosted by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, with group matches played in Tashkent and Hisor.

Ranked 54 places above India (133rd), Oman will be the favourites at the Hisor Central Stadium, though Khalid Jamil’s team might benefit from having played three matches at this venue already.

In Group B, India defeated co-hosts Tajikistan 2-1, lost 0-3 to Iran, and drew 0-0 against Afghanistan, a result highlighting their scoring issues despite opportunities.

Oman, ranked 79th, played their Group A matches in Tashkent, drawing 1-1 with Uzbekistan, and defeating Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan 2-1. They tied with Uzbekistan on points but finished second due to an inferior goal difference.

India has faced Oman several times in the past. In their nine matches since 2000, Oman has won six, with three draws and no victories for India. Their last encounter was a 1-1 draw in a friendly in Dubai in 2021.

Oman is led by new coach Carlos Queiroz, a familiar figure in Asia who has managed Iran, UAE, and Qatar, as well as Real Madrid and the national teams of Portugal, Egypt, and South Africa. Queiroz has previously faced India with Iran in 2015 and Qatar in 2023 during World Cup qualifiers.

Blue Tigers head coach Khalid Jamil emphasized that his team came with a purpose beyond mere participation. “All our players are fine and positive after these results. We must maintain this positivity into the next game. I feel optimistic about a positive result," Jamil said in the pre-match press conference.

“We believed from the start that we could achieve something here, and the players’ belief and hard work have brought us to this stage. Oman is a strong team with a good coach and quality players. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready," he added.

Regarding past records, Jamil is focused on securing a win. “First and foremost, we must get a result – that’s the most important thing."

India is also preparing for the two AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group C Qualifiers matches against Singapore on October 9 and 14.

(With agency inputs)

Sports Desk

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