India eye redemption against Afghanistan in CAFA Nations Cup encounter

India will face Afghanistan in the final group stage match of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

The Khalid Jamil-led Indian football team will play their last group stage match in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 against Afghanistan. For the Blue Tigers, this is a must-win affair if they aim to feature in the third-place match on September 8.

India can also play the final if they win this match and Iran lose out on three points against Afghanistan, which is highly unlikely.

India were flying high after a victorious start to Khalid Jamil’s era as the head coach of the national team. The Blue Tigers defeated Tajikistan after 17 years. However, they got the reality check in the next match as Iran brushed them aside with a comprehensive 3-0 win.

A resilient defensive display was a big positive for India after the loss against Iran. Against Afghanistan, the Indian team will only be aiming for three points.

The Stakes

India

This is the real test for the Indian team. A must-win affair against a team that is at par in terms of quality. India lost to Afghanistan in the World Cup qualifiers. It was a shocking result considering fans expect India to be consistent against teams from South Asia. That result put an end to all the possibilities of India qualifying for the third round.

Khalid Jamil would be looking at all three points from this game as he would not want to miss out on an opportunity to play another match against a high-quality opponent. In the first two matches, his team displayed the ability to defend strongly, but in this match, the onus will be on them to create chances.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan have been knocked out of the competition after two consecutive losses against Iran and Tajikistan. However, they still have a chance to salvage something from the tournament. Coach Vincenzo Alberte Annese will use this fixture to prepare for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Pakistan in October.

The biggest positive for Afghanistan from this campaign would be their impressive outing against Iran. They also scored a goal against the mighty defending CAFA Nations Cup champions. Against India, they would have more opportunities to create goal-scoring chances. Annese’s team will have to be clinical and convert their chances.

Team News

India would be missing their warrior centre-back Sandesh Jhingan against Afghanistan. Jhingan also captained India against Iran. He will miss the action due to a broken jaw, an injury that he suffered during the match against Iran.

Afghanistan will have the full at their disposal against India in their last CAFA Nations Cup 2025 fixture.

Probable Lineups

India (4-4-1-1)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Valpuia Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Muhammed Uvais; Suresh Singh, Nikhil Prabhu, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan; Virkam Partap Singh, Jithin MS

Afghanistan (4-1-4-1)

Faisal Hamidi (GK), Elias Mansor, Mahboob Hanifi, Sharif Mukhammad, Amid Arezou, Zelfy Nazary, Maziar Kouhyar, Mohammad Naeem Rahimi, Yama Sherzad, Omid Musawi, Taufee Skandari

Players to watch out for

Jithin MS (India)

The NorthEast United FC star winger showed in the game against Iran what he is capable of. After lighting up the Indian Super League stage in the last two seasons, Jithin is ready to prove himself on the international stage as well. He has not yet received a start from Khalid Jamil, but he gave a teaser of his lethal game on the right wing in the limited time he was on the pitch against Iran.

Since Jithin’s arrival, India looked more potent going forward. In the last quarter of the game, the Indian team made a few effective chances, and Jithin was instrumental in creating those. Khalid Jamil should give him a chance on the right wing against Afghanistan. We might have a treat to watch if Jithin starts.

Omid Musawi (Afghanistan)

The highlight for Afghanistan in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 is their solitary goal against Iran. Omid Musawi was the one who created that moment of magic for Afghanistan. Musawi has been a force to reckon with on the left wing. The 24-year-old Afghan forward would be desperate to bid goodbye to the tournament with a goal.

He will compete against Rahul Bheke on the left wing and might have an opportunity to overshadow the Indian right-back who is going through a rough patch. Bheke has committed mistakes in the first two games, and Musawi would be aware of his opponent’s vulnerability that he can capitalize on.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played – 13

India wins: 7

Draws: 4

Afghanistan Wins: 2

Telecast Details

The CAFA Nations Cup match between India and Afghanistan will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor. The match will kick off at 5:30 PM IST. It will be streamed live on Fancode.

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