CAFA Nations Cup 2025: India vs Afghanistan Preview — India Must Win to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
On 4 September 2025, India face a decisive clash against Afghanistan at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. It’s a high-stakes Group B fixture—only a win ensures the Blue Tigers’ progression to the playoffs.
The Crucial Context
India began their campaign on a high, beating Tajikistan 2-1—marking their first competitive win since November 2023, thanks to goals from Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhingan, and a crucial penalty save by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. But a heavy 0-3 loss to Iran followed, putting India’s progression in jeopardy. A win against Afghanistan is now non-negotiable for India to keep playoff ambitions alive. A draw might suffice, but only if Iran beat or draw with Tajikistan—anything less spells elimination .
India’s Tournament Journey
Under coach Khalid Jamil, India has shown glimpses of promise and vulnerability. Their spirited performance against Iran—despite the final scoreline—showed resilience, but also exposed lapses in second-half execution and tactical decision-making .
Afghanistan’s Uphill Battle
Afghanistan find themselves winless in the group, having lost to both Iran (1-3) and Tajikistan (0-2), but they’ve shown flashes of attacking intent—Omid Musawi scored in a losing cause against Iran .
Key Battles to Watch
Jithin MS vs Afghanistan’s Defense
Jithin’s pace and dribbling could be crucial, especially if allowed to exploit gaps at the back .
Omid Musawi vs Rahul Bheke
Afghanistan’s chief threat, Musawi, could target Bheke’s flank. A tactical duel to watch closely .
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu vs Afghanistan’s Attack
The goalkeeper’s command and shot-stopping—especially from set-pieces—will be vital .
Head-to-Head Snapshot
In 13 past encounters, India has won 7, drawn 4, while Afghanistan secured 2 wins. Notably, Afghanistan pulled off a pivotal World Cup Qualifier win in Guwahati last year—something India will be keen to avenge .
Team News & Predicted Lineups
India’s Missing Soldier: Captain Sandesh Jhingan is injured with a broken jaw after the Iran game—his absence is a major blow to leadership and defense. Coach Jamil praised his bravery and highlighted the need for others to step up .
| Team | Formation | Predicted XI |
|---|---|---|
| India | 4-4-1-1 | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Muhammed Uvais, Akash Mishra; |
| Suresh Singh, Nikhil Prabhu, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan; | ||
| Vikram Partap Singh; Jithin MS | ||
| Afghanistan | 4-1-4-1 | Faisal Hamidi (GK); Elias Mansor, Mahboob Hanifi, Sharif Mukhammad, Amid Arezou; |
| Zelfy Nazary; Mohammad Naeem Rahimi, Yama Sherzad, Maziar Kouhyar, Omid Musawi; | ||
| Taufee Skandari |
Qualification Scenarios
Win = playoffs spot secured.
Draw = possible qualification if Iran defeats or draws with Tajikistan.
Loss = likely elimination due to goal difference margins .
Only a win keeps them in contention; anything else sees their campaign end .
Match Logistics
Date & Time: Thursday, 4 September 2025, 5:30 PM IST
Venue: Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor, Tajikistan
Live Stream: FanCode (India). No TV broadcast scheduled .
Match Prediction
India hold the edge with a better FIFA ranking (133rd vs 161st), more tournament rhythm, and home-region support. Despite Jhingan’s absence, their squad depth—led by players like Jithin MS and Gurpreet—is expected to prevail narrowly.
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