CAFA Nations Cup 2025: India Outclassed By Iran 0-3 Despite Resolute Defending

Last Updated:September 01, 2025, 20:51 IST

India lost 0-3 to IR Iran in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 at Hisor Central Stadium, with goals from Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Ali Alipour, and Mehdi Taremi securing Iran's win.

CAFA Nations Cup 2025: India lost to Iran 0-3 (X/CAFA)

India faced a 0-3 loss against IR Iran in their second match of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 at the Hisor Central Stadium in Hisor, Tajikistan, on Monday, September 1, 2025.

After a scoreless first half, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh (60’) put Iran ahead, followed by late goals from substitutes Ali Alipour (89’) and Mehdi Taremi (90+6’), securing the victory for the Asian giants.

How India Lost To Iran?

Defending champions Iran, ranked 113 spots above India (133rd) in the FIFA Rankings, dominated from the start, forcing early saves from Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

India’s defence stabilised after initial pressure, preventing Iran from creating clear chances. Shots from Mohammad Amin Hazbavi and Omid Noorafkan missed the target, while Gurpreet blocked a dangerous cut-back from Mahdi Hashemnezhad.

India’s first opportunity came in the 24th minute when Suresh Singh Wangjam’s cross found Irfan Yadwad, who set up Nikhil Prabhu, but his shot was blocked.

As the match progressed, India grew in confidence and created some attacking plays. Vikram Partap Singh posed a threat on the right wing, but Iran handled the danger well.

Gurpreet made another crucial save from Noorafkan’s snapshot later in the half. India’s organised defence frustrated Iran, preventing clear chances in the first half.

The second half started similarly, with India allowing Iran possession but defending resolutely.

Iran opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a touch of luck. Hossein Kanaani’s cross towards Hosseinzadeh was blocked by Rahul Bheke, but the ball fell back to Hosseinzadeh, who finished from close range.

India’s head coach Khalid Jamil introduced Manvir Singh (Jr.), Mahesh Naorem, and Jithin MS to boost the attack. Manvir’s cross found Bheke in the 72nd minute, but his header went wide.

Iran’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Taremi caused problems for India, who were seeking an equaliser. Jithin’s runs raised hopes, but no real threat materialised. In the 86th minute, his through ball to Mahesh was overhit, allowing Iran goalkeeper Payam Niazmand to collect it.

In the final minutes, Jahanbakhsh’s shot was saved, but Taremi hit the upright before Alipour doubled Iran’s lead.

Substitute Jeakson Singh’s injury-time shot narrowly missed the target. A minute later, Jahanbakhsh’s through ball found Taremi, who scored Iran’s third goal, sealing their victory.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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Location :

Hisor

First Published:

September 01, 2025, 20:51 IST

News sports CAFA Nations Cup 2025: India Outclassed By Iran 0-3 Despite Resolute Defending

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