CAFA Nations Cup 2025: Iran overpower India with second-half surge- Highlights
56' India switch to five at the back!
Iran continue to press relentlessly, keeping India No. 1 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and his backline on high alert. To counter the pressure, India make a tactical change, bringing on Chinglensana Singh Konsham and shifting to a five-man defence. The Blue Tigers are clearly looking to tighten up and absorb the Iranian onslaught.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
50' Iran dominate possession!
Iran start the second half on the front foot, holding close to 80% of the ball as they dictate tempo in midfield. India, though, are disciplined without possession, forcing Iran wide and pushing their attacks towards the flanks. The Blue Tigers are compact and resilient, looking to frustrate the Asian giants.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
46' Second half begins!
We’re back underway at the Hisor Central Stadium! India stick with their orange away kit, while Iran resume in white. The Blue Tigers will now attack from right to left. Both sides return with intensity as they look to seize the initiative early in this half.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
Half-time!
The referee blows for the break in Hisor. Iran have dominated large spells with sustained pressure, especially through Omid Nor Afkan and Mehran Ahmadi, forcing India onto the back foot. Still, the Blue Tigers have held firm, thanks to key interventions from Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. India’s best moment came via Irfan Yadwad, but he was closed down before pulling the trigger.
Score at Half-time: India 0–0 Iran
45' Stoppage time!
The fourth official signals 4 minutes of added time at the end of the first half. Iran continue to press, while India look to hold their defensive shape and reach the break on level terms.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
40' Iran denied by Jhingan!
Mehran Ahmadi wins the ball smartly in midfield and surges into space on the left. He whips in a dangerous low cross across the box, where Ramin Rezaeiansemeskandi meets it with a firm ground shot from the right. Just as it looks threatening, Sandesh Jhingan steps in with a crucial block to keep India level.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
35' Chance goes begging for India!
A rare forward move from the Blue Tigers sees a neat ball played into the path of Irfan Yadwad. He looks to break into space, but holds onto possession a touch too long, allowing the Iranian defence to close in and snuff out the attack. A missed opportunity for India to test the keeper.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
27' Iran turn up the heat
Iran force yet another corner, with Mehran Ahmadi sending it towards the near post, but it deflects out for a throw. Mohammad Naderi takes the throw from the left, and a series of quick passes sees Omid Nor Afkan weave his way past India’s defence inside the box. He attempts a cheeky scoop into the danger area, but Gurpreet Singh Sandhu reacts quickly to smother before an Iranian head can connect.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
23' India threaten from corners!
The Blue Tigers win their first corner of the game, sparking a scramble in the Iranian box. The loose ball falls to Nikhil Prabhu, whose shot drifts just wide. Another corner follows, this time swung in by Suresh Singh Wangjam towards the far post. But the momentum halts as the referee spots a foul by an Indian player outside the box, giving Iran a free-kick to restart.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
19' Close call for India!
Iran continue to press hard, and it’s Omid Nor Afkan again at the heart of the attack. His delivery takes an awkward bounce right in front of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, momentarily unsettling the keeper. Fortunately for the Blue Tigers, the ball drifts just wide of the post.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
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