India’s men’s football team kicks off its CAFA Nations Cup 2025 campaign on Friday, August 29, with a tough opener against host nation Tajikistan, led by newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil.
India has been placed in Group B alongside Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, while Group A features Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Oman. The group winners will advance directly to the final in Tashkent, while the runners-up will fight for the third-place playoff in Dushanbe on September 8.
India’s campaign fixtures (IST)
- August 29 (Friday): India vs Tajikistan – 9:00 PM
- September 1 (Monday): India vs Iran – 5:30 PM
- September 4 (Thursday): India vs Afghanistan – 5:30 PM
- September 8 (Monday): Third-place match (if qualified)
- September 8 (Monday): Final (if qualified)
Venue
All of India’s Group B fixtures will be held at the Hisor Central Stadium, located near Dushanbe, Tajikistan.How to Watch India vs. Tajikistan Live
The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 will not be telecasted in India. However, fans can watch the matches live on the FanCode app and website via streaming.Link: India vs. Tajikistan Live – CAFA Nations Cup 2025
India squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Amrinder Singh
Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Naorem Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Muhammed Uvais, Hmingthanmawia Ralte
Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Boris Singh, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh
Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh (Jr.), Vikram Partap Singh, Jithin MS
India under Khalid Jamil – A fresh chapter
The 48-year-old Khalid Jamil becomes the first Indian head coach of the national team since Savio Medeira (2011–12). Jamil takes charge at a time when Indian football is undergoing a rough patch, with the team managing just two wins in 23 matches since June 2023.His first big decision was to leave Sunil Chhetri out of the CAFA squad, clarifying that the tournament will serve as a preparatory stage for the AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifiers in October.
India, placed 133rd in the FIFA rankings, faces a stern opening test against hosts Tajikistan, who sit 106th. Group contenders Iran, ranked 17th worldwide, enter as clear favorites, while Afghanistan, positioned at 161, remain unpredictable after holding India to a draw last year.
About the CAFA Nations Cup
The Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup is a biennial tournament, with its second edition being co-hosted by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan from August 29 to September 8, 2025. The CAFA Nations Cup features its six core members — Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — with India and Oman joining as special invitees this year.
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