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 1:20 PM GMT
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
- 1 Sep 2025 1:17 PM GMT
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
- 1 Sep 2025 1:06 PM GMT
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
- 1 Sep 2025 12:52 PM GMT
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
- 1 Sep 2025 12:46 PM GMT
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
- 1 Sep 2025 12:43 PM GMT
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
- 1 Sep 2025 12:37 PM GMT
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
- 1 Sep 2025 12:31 PM GMT
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
- 1 Sep 2025 12:25 PM GMT
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
- 1 Sep 2025 12:22 PM GMT
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
