India Set for Clash in CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Group Stages

New Delhi, July 30 (PTI) - India's national football team is set to compete in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. They will face hosts Tajikistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Afghanistan in the group stage. Their campaign will kick off on August 29 against Tajikistan in Dushanbe.

This Central Asian regional tournament, which runs from August 31 to September 8, will serve as a preparatory event for India ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round.

Following their opener against Tajikistan, India will play Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4. The top two teams from each group will earn a spot in the play-offs scheduled for September 8.

Meanwhile, Group A, based in Tashkent, includes the hosts Uzbekistan, alongside the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and guest team Oman. As one of the two guest teams, along with Oman, India aims to put forth a strong performance.

The winners of each group will face off in the final in Tashkent, whereas the runners-up will compete for third place in Dushanbe.

Currently, Iran holds the title of defending champions after narrowly defeating Uzbekistan 1-0 in the 2023 final.

This tournament also marks the debut assignment for the Indian team’s newly appointed head coach. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to announce whether Khalid Jamil or Stephen Constantine will take on this role come Friday.

CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Draw:

Group A (Tashkent): Uzbekistan (H), Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Oman

Group B (Dushanbe): Tajikistan (H), IR Iran, Afghanistan, India

India’s fixtures: August 29: vs Tajikistan; September 1: vs IR Iran; September 4: vs Afghanistan.

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