India vs Afghanistan: Top three player battles to watch out for in CAFA Nations Cup

A win against Afghanistan will confirm the third-place match for India.

India have had mixed results in the first two matches of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. In the first match, they edged Tajikistan with a narrow 2-1 victory. That result was historic as India defeated Tajikistan after 17 years. However, the momentum saw a dip with the loss against Iran. But regardless of the 3-0 scoreline, it was a spirited performance from the Blue Tigers.

They are still in the race to finish in the top two of group B. The Khalid Jamil-led side will come up against Afghanistan in the last group stage fixture. It is a do-or-die fixture for the Blue Tigers if they aim to play the third-place match on September 8.

The encounter against Afghanistan will be a good test for the Indian team, as it will be a high-intensity encounter that has a reward at stake. In this article, we will look into the three key player battles that will shape this fixture and its result.

Also Read: India eye redemption against Afghanistan in CAFA Nations Cup encounter

Omid Musawi vs Valpuia

With Sandesh Jhingan out of action and Rahul Bheke’s expected move to the centre-back position, the young Mumbai City FC right back, Valpuia, can start for India. The 25-year-old has been one of the best performers in the last two seasons for the Islanders in the Indian Super League.

It will be interesting to see how Valpuia rises to the occasion, considering he is still inexperienced on the international level with only one start to his name. His battle with Afghanistan’s Omid Musawi will be one to watch out for.

Omid Musawi is in red-hot form for both his club and country. In the first match of the CAFA Nations Cup against Iran, he scored a goal. Considering the defensive might of Iran, it was a massive achievement for the 24-year-old forward. Valpuia’s tussle with Musawi will have a significant impact on the game; whoever has the upper hand will help his team gain an edge.

Also Read: Major blow for India! Captain Sandesh Jhingan ruled out of CAFA Nations Cup following an injury

Taufee Skandari vs Rahul Bheke

Khalid Jamil has played Rahul Bheke as the right back in the first two matches. The experienced Bengaluru FC defender has had a torrid time playing in that position. Bheke made some mistakes in both games, prompting pundits to think whether he is the right choice for that role.

Now that Sandesh Jhingan is not available due to an injury, Bheke might play as the centre-back. In the last few seasons, he has played predominantly as a centre back. His coming back to the central defense might bring the best out of him.

The 34-year-old Indian defender will have to counter Taufee Skandari. The Afghan is versatile in terms of the roles that he can play in the starting XI. Afghanistan’s coach, Vincenzo Alberto Annese, who has also managed Gokulam Kerala FC, has decided to play Skandari as the striker in the first two matches.

Unless there is a change in the combination, we will witness a battle between Skandari and Bheke. After two underwhelming outings, this will be a great opportunity for the Indian defender to redeem himself.

Elias Mansor vs Ashique Kuruniyan

Elias Mansor is arguably the most exciting prospect in the Afghanistan squad. He plays his professional football in England. Currently, he plies his trade for the U21 side of the English second division club Millwall FC. His European pedigree can cause problems for Ashique Kuruniyan, who operates on the left for India.

Ashique has made a few impactful creative chances for India in the CAFA Nations Cup, but fans would expect more from him in terms of final product. Against Afghanistan, he will have to not just create on the wings but be sharp in the final third. His tussle with Elias Mansor will shape the proceedings for India on the left.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.