The senior Indian men’s national football team are set for a mighty challenge as they face Asian heavyweights IR Iran at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. The international friendly kicks off at 5:30 PM IST.The Blue Tigers fought bravely but were outclassed in the second half as India fell 0–3 to Asian giants Iran at the Hisor Central Stadium on Monday.India held firm for much of the opening 45 minutes, frustrating Iran despite waves of pressure. Sandesh Jhingan led the backline with authority, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was alert in goal. On the counter, Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan and Irfan Yadwad offered glimpses of threat, but the final ball was missing.The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh brought down a cross from Mohammadhossein Kanani Zadegan and slotted a low shot past Gurpreet. India’s switch to a more attacking shape opened spaces, and Iran capitalised late. Despite Gurpreet’s double save, Ali Alipourghara pounced on a rebound in the 90th minute to double the lead. Deep in stoppage time, Olympiacos striker Mehdi Taremi latched onto a precise through ball to complete the 3–0 victory.For India, the defeat was a reminder of the gulf at the top of Asian football, but also an opportunity to take confidence from a disciplined first-half display and key defensive performances. With AFC Asian Cup qualifiers ahead, these lessons will be crucial in shaping Khalid Jamil’s side.Highlights:
The senior Indian men’s national football team are set for a mighty challenge as they face Asian heavyweights IR Iran at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. The international friendly kicks off at 5:30 PM IST.The Blue Tigers fought bravely but were outclassed in the second half as India fell 0–3 to Asian giants Iran at the Hisor Central Stadium on Monday.India held firm for much of the opening 45 minutes, frustrating Iran despite waves of pressure. Sandesh Jhingan led the backline with authority, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was alert in goal. On the counter, Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan and Irfan Yadwad offered glimpses of threat, but the final ball was missing.The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh brought down a cross from Mohammadhossein Kanani Zadegan and slotted a low shot past Gurpreet. India’s switch to a more attacking shape opened spaces, and Iran capitalised late. Despite Gurpreet’s double save, Ali Alipourghara pounced on a rebound in the 90th minute to double the lead. Deep in stoppage time, Olympiacos striker Mehdi Taremi latched onto a precise through ball to complete the 3–0 victory.For India, the defeat was a reminder of the gulf at the top of Asian football, but also an opportunity to take confidence from a disciplined first-half display and key defensive performances. With AFC Asian Cup qualifiers ahead, these lessons will be crucial in shaping Khalid Jamil’s side.Highlights: