# India Seal Third-Place Playoff Spot in CAFA Nations Cup After Draw with Afghanistan

URL: https://technosports.co.in/india-seal-3rd-place-playoff-cafa-nations-cup/  
Published: 2025-09-05  
Updated: 2025-09-05  
Author: Ankush Mallick

At the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan, [**India**](https://www.the-aiff.com/)battled Afghanistan to a goalless draw in their final **CAFA Nations Cup 2025** Group B encounter on Thursday, September 4. The Blue Tigers were left waiting for the result of the later game between IR Iran and hosts Tajikistan before knowing their fate. A 2-2 draw in that clash confirmed India’s progression to the third-place playoff.

## India Clinch Second Place in Group B

**Khalid Jamil’s men** closed the group with four points from three matches (a win, a loss, and a draw). IR Iran topped the standings with seven points, while Tajikistan, also on four points, missed out after losing the head-to-head battle to India. Afghanistan finished bottom with just one point.

![India at cafa nations cup](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/09/India-at-CAFA-Nations-Cup-819x1024.webp)

| Position | Team | Played | Points | Goal Difference |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | IR Iran | 3 | 7 | +4 |
| 2 | India | 3 | 4 | +1 |
| 3 | Tajikistan | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| 4 | Afghanistan | 3 | 1 | –5 |

India’s crucial opening win against Tajikistan (2-1) proved decisive in breaking the tie. The Blue Tigers will now play the third-place match on **September 8 at Hisor Central Stadium**, against the runner-up from Group A.

## Who Will India Face Next?

Group A remains finely balanced ahead of its final round of fixtures:

| Team | Played | Points | Goal Difference | Goals Scored |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Oman | 2 | 4 | +1 | 3 |
| Uzbekistan | 2 | 4 | +1 | 3 |
| Turkmenistan | 2 | 1 | –1 | 2 |
| Kyrgyz Rep. | 2 | 1 | –1 | 2 |

Both Oman and Uzbekistan sit tied at the top with identical records, while Turkmenistan and Kyrgyz Republic still have a mathematical chance. On **Friday, September 5**, Oman face Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan meet Kyrgyz Republic in Tashkent to determine India’s playoff opponent.

## A First Half of Missed Chances

Afghanistan started brightly, pressing India’s backline, but it was Khalid Jamil’s men who carved out the better opportunities.

- In the 16th minute, **Ashique Kuruniyan** beat his marker and squared the ball for **Irfan Yadwad**, who squandered a golden chance.
- **Gurpreet Singh Sandhu**, India’s captain and goalkeeper, was called into action soon after, making a smart save from **Ali Reza Panahi’s** long-range strike.
- The Blue Tigers’ closest call came in the 34th minute when Ashique dispossessed Mahboob Hanifi in the box, only to be denied by Afghan keeper **Faisal Ahmad Hamidi**.

Despite momentum, India couldn’t break the deadlock before half-time.

![Afghanistan vs india at cafa nations cup](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/09/Afghanistan-vs-India-at-CAFA-Nations-Cup.webp)

## Tactical Changes and Second-Half Drama

Coach **Khalid Jamil** turned to his bench at the interval, bringing on **Manvir Singh Jr** and **Vikram Partap Singh**. The changes injected energy, with India dominating possession and pushing higher up the pitch.

- In the 60th minute, **Nikhil Prabhu** threaded a brilliant ball for **Jithin MS**, narrowly out of reach.
- Jithin continued to threaten, twice going close with efforts that tested Afghanistan’s defence.
- The scare of the match came in the 71st minute, when Afghanistan’s **Yama Sherzad** forced Gurpreet into a fingertip save that deflected the shot onto the crossbar.

![Anwar](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/09/Anwar-819x1024.webp)
*Anwar Ali*

India’s defenders, led by **Anwar Ali**—later named **Player of the Match**—stood firm as the Lions of Khorasan pressed for a late winner.

## India’s Journey So Far in the CAFA Nations Cup

| Matchday | Opponent | Result | Points Gained |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Tajikistan | 2-1 Win | 3 |
| 2 | IR Iran | 1-2 Loss | 0 |
| 3 | Afghanistan | 0-0 Draw | 1 |

With four points, India’s campaign now hinges on Iran’s ability to stop Tajikistan. A win or draw for the Iranians will see the Blue Tigers continue their journey in the third-place playoff.

## Qualification Scenarios Resolved

With Iran drawing 2-2 against Tajikistan, the group standings fell perfectly for India. The Blue Tigers’ superior head-to-head record over Tajikistan ensured a second-place finish and a ticket to the **third-place playoff on September 8**. A win there would give Khalid Jamil’s side their best-ever finish at the CAFA Nations Cup.

![Afghanistan vs india at cafa nations cup 2025](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/09/Afghanistan-vs-India-at-CAFA-Nations-Cup-2025-819x1024.webp)

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## FAQs

### **How did India qualify for the CAFA Nations Cup third-place playoff?**

India finished second in Group B after tying Tajikistan on points but edging them via head-to-head.

### What was India’s record in the group stage?

India collected four points: one win, one draw, and one loss.

### Who was India’s standout performer against Afghanistan?

**Anwar Ali** shone in defense, while **Gurpreet Singh Sandhu** made key saves.

### When will India play their next match?

India will feature in the **third-place playoff on September 8, 2025**, at Hisor Central Stadium.

### Who could India face in the third-place playoff?

They will face the runner-up from Group A—likely either Oman or Uzbekistan, depending on final results.