September 4: India were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Afghanistan in their final group game of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, on Thursday evening, at Hisor Stadium Tajikistan, a result that ended Afghanistan’s campaign while India qualified for the third placed playoff, based on other group clash results..
The opening saw both sides push forward. In the 5th minute, Musawi and Balal combined neatly down the left, but India’s defence managed to clear the danger. Soon after, Irfan Yadwad tried to break on the counter but was fouled, leading to a quick Indian free-kick that won them an early corner.
In the 24th minute Gurpreet got tested when Panahi’s long-range shot forced a sharp save, with Hanifi missed the rebound wide.
The first half also brought a few promising moments for the Blue Tigers. Ashique Kuruniyan was lively, creating chances down the flanks. At the 33rd minute, he won the ball in front of the box but collided with Hamid in his attempt to reach it, earning a yellow card in the process. Just before the break, Ashique’s shot inside the box was blocked by Afghanistan’s defence.
After the restart, Afghanistan slowed the tempo, comfortably keeping possession in their own half while India sought direct long balls forward.
Blue Tigers had their best chance in the 57th minute, when Jithin MS was played through with a defence-splitting ball, only for the Afghan keeper to clear. Substitutions from coach Khalid Jamil in the second half, including bringing on Danish Farooq, Udanta Singh, and Chhangte, injected some energy, but the final ball continued to let India down.
Afghanistan, aiming for a late push, introduced Fatemi in the 88th minute, but neither side managed to find the decisive goal. The contest petered out into a stalemate, leaving both teams frustrated.
Blue Tiger’s biggest concern throughout the tournament, lack of clinical finishing was once again evident, and it ultimately cost them the chance to turn pressure into points. While the Blue Tigers managed to hold Afghanistan, their inability to convert promising moves into goals meant they had to settle for a goalless draw, Though the Blue Tigres had to wait, however Iran Tajikistan match ended up with 2-2 results, and India secured their third place playoff spot.
Watch India vs Afghanistan CAFA Nations League 2025 highlights
Read more about Indian Football
