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 12:11 PM GMT
8' Iran pile on pressure
Back-to-back corners for Iran as Omid Nor Afkan delivers two teasing balls into the near post, both cleared by the Indian defence. The third corner, again swung in by Nor Afkan, finds Mehran Ahmadi on the edge of the box, but his shot flashes wide of the target—a nervy spell for the Blue Tigers.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 12:07 PM GMT
5' Early exchanges
India made the first move through Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan down the left, showing intent in the opening minutes. But since then, Iran have quickly taken control, pushing higher up the pitch and enjoying more of the possession. The Blue Tigers are looking to absorb the pressure.
Score: India 0–0 Iran
- 1 Sep 2025 12:02 PM GMT
1’ – Kick-off!
We are underway at the Hisor Central Stadium! India line up in their orange away kit, while IR Iran are in their pristine white. The Blue Tigers play from left to right in the first half.
- 1 Sep 2025 11:43 AM GMT
Welcome to our live coverage of India vs IR Iran!
Stay tuned as we bring you all the updates, key moments, and behind-the-scenes insights from the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan.
