Football
CAFA Nations Cup 2025: Iran overpower India with second-half surge- Highlights
Get all the highlights from India vs IR Iran at the Hisor Central Stadium.
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:
Live Updates
- 1 Sep 2025 2:01 PM GMT
Full-time!
The referee blows the whistle in Hisor, and it ends in a commanding win for Iran. Despite a resilient first half from India, where Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stood tall, the Asian giants eventually broke through. Goals from Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Ali Alipourghara, and a late strike by Mehdi Taremi sealed a 3–0 victory for Iran.
For India, the defeat highlights the gap at the highest level.
Final Score: India 0–3 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 1:58 PM GMT
90+6' Goal for Iran!
And there it is — Mehdi Taremi gets his name on the scoresheet. A sublime ball from midfield slices through the Indian defence, and the Olympiacos striker makes no mistake with a calm finish past India No. 1 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. A clinical end to the match for the hosts.
Score: India 0–3 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 1:56 PM GMT
90+4' Jeakson goes close!
India push one last time as Jeakson Singh Thounaojam lets fly from distance. It’s a clean strike that has the Iran keeper diving, but the ball doesn’t dip enough and sails just over the crossbar, grazing the roof of the net. A valiant effort from the midfielder.
Score: India 0–2 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 1:52 PM GMT
90' Goal for Iran!
Relentless pressure finally tells. A fierce strike from Alireza Jahanbakhsh Jirandeh is parried by. The rebound falls to Mehdi Taremi, whose effort is again brilliantly stopped by Gurpreet. But the ball ricochets kindly to Ali Alipourghara, who makes no mistake from close range to double Iran’s lead.
Score: India 0–2 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 1:42 PM GMT
80' Safe take by Iran’s keeper!
A promising move from India down the right as Jithin whips in a cross aimed at Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan inside the box. But Seyedpayam Niazmandghader rises high and confidently claims the ball in the air, cutting out the danger.
Score: India 0–1 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 1:37 PM GMT
76' India counter earns a corner!
Iran push forward but are caught on the break as India launch a swift counter. Naorem Mahesh Singh delivers the ball into the box from the left, forcing an Indian corner. However, the resulting set-piece is comfortably cleared by the Iranian defence, relieving the pressure.
Score: India 0–1 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 1:34 PM GMT
72' Double change for Iran, big names!
Iran look to add more firepower as Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh Jirandeh come off the bench. With fresh legs in attack, the hosts are aiming to press their advantage and stretch India’s defence even further.
Score: India 0–1 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 1:29 PM GMT
67' India make attacking changes
India respond to going behind by reshuffling their formation. Chinglensana Singh Konsham is withdrawn, and fresh attacking options are introduced as the Blue Tigers look to chase an equaliser. A clear signal of intent from head coach Khalid Jamil.
Score: India 0–1 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 1:22 PM GMT
59' Goal for Iran!
Breakthrough for Iran. A fine delivery from the right by Mohammadhossein Kanani Zadegan finds Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh Tazehgheshlagh at the far side of the box. He controls it on his chest, lets it drop, and fires a low shot past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to put Iran ahead.
Score: India 0–1 Iran
