India up for third-place face off against Oman in CAFA Nations Cup 2025

India finished second in Group B, which had teams like Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

Indian Football Team will lock horns with Oman in the third-place match to conclude their CAFA Nations Cup 2025 adventure. The Blue Tigers will play Oman on September 8, 2025, at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. The match will kick off at 5:30 PM IST.

It has been a rollercoaster ride for India in the tournament. The team started their campaign with a memorable victory against Tajikistan, their first in 17 years, then went on to put on an impressive defensive display against Iran but lost 3-0. The group stage ended with a disappointing draw against Afghanistan. But the biggest positive for the newly appointed head coach, Khalid Jamil, is the opportunity to play another competitive fixture against a quality side.

Also Read: Top three Indian players who made their mark in disappointing stalemate against Afghanistan in CAFA Nations Cup

The Stakes

India

The Indian team would desperately want to cap off their journey in the tournament with a win, exactly how they started. This match presents an ideal challenge for India ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in October. Oman are one of the best West Asian sides and they will make it difficult for India, but that is what Khalid Jamal would want – a challenge that tests the team.

This is a transition phase for India under a newly appointed head coach. He has just started the tenure, and each match counts in the process of building a strong side. There would be experimentations and changes, but in all of that, the results can’t be compromised.

Khalid is mindful of that, and acing this third-place match against Oman would matter to him more than anything else. Positive results in the early phase of his tenure would instill confidence in fans. The coach will also be more open to following his plans without any inhibition if he starts reaping the rewards early.

Oman

For Oman, this is an opportunity to prove that they deserve to play the final. The Reds missed out on a place in the final narrowly, only on goal difference. They accumulated 7 points in the group stage, the same as group toppers Uzbekistan. But a positive goal difference of five, as compared to Oman’s two, gave Uzbekistan the edge.

However, Oman would be proud of their campaign in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. As invitees, they have made their mark. Oman defeated Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan and drew the match with Uzbekistan in the group stage. The draw against Uzbekistan is another in the series of recent positive results for Oman. A third-place finish in this tournament would keep the momentum going, and they would not want otherwise.

Team News

India will have the same squad as they had in the last match against Afghanistan, except Ashique Kuruniyan, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards. Whereas Oman will have all the players available.

Probable Lineups

India

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Valpuia, Anwar Ali, Rahul Bheke, Muhammed Uvais; Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Jithin MS; Irfan Yadwad, Vikram Partap Singh

Oman

Bilal Al Balushi (GK), Mahmood Al-Mushaifri, Thani Gharib Al Rushaidi, Ahmed Al-Khamisi, Ahmed Al-Kaabi, Ahed Al-Mashaiki, Jameel Al Yahmadi, Harib Al-Saadi, Abdulrahman Al-Mushaifri, Nasser Al Rawahi, Issam Al-Subhi

Players to watch out for

Valpuia (India)

The 25-year-old right back from Mumbai City FC had a brilliant outing in the last match. Valpuia was arguably the best player on the pitch for India in the last match. He replaced the experienced Rahul Bheke in that position and did brilliantly.

He looked slightly uncomfortable when the match started, given it was only his second start for India, but he settled down as the match progressed. Valpuia made some tough tackles, making it difficult for Afghan wingers to pose any threat. He was also calm on the ball and showed his potential to excel at this stage. The match against Oman would be an opportunity for him to cement his place in the team.

Issam Al Sabhi

Issam Al Sabhi is the man who made this third-place match for Oman in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 a reality. Had he not scored a brace in the dying embers of the second game against Kyrgyzstan, Oman would not have finished second in their group.

The Indian defense, without their leader Sandesh Jhingan, will have to be cautious of Issam Al Sabhi’s threat. The forward has the ability to stun the defenders with his movement in the final third. His aerial presence will also test the Indian defenders.

Where to watch India vs Oman in CAFA Nations Cup 2025?

India vs Oman will kick off at 5:30 PM IST. The fans can watch the Blue Tigers in action on the Fancode app.

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