Iran Sweep Aside India 3-0 in CAFA Nations Cup.
India’s bright start under new head coach Khalid Jamil came to a halt on September 1 as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Iran in the CAFA Nations Cup. After edging Tajikistan 2-1 in their opener, India were handed a stern reality check by Asia’s No. 20-ranked side.
At the sparsely attended Isor Central Stadium, Iran seized control from the start, forcing Gurpreet Singh Sandhu into early saves from a flurry of corners. Mohammad Amin Hazbavi’s speed and Omid Noorafkan’s pinpoint crosses kept India’s defence — led by Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali — constantly stretched.
Pinned in their own half, India relied on deep defending and counters through Aashique Kuruniyan and Rahul Bheke, but poor passing and decision-making meant attacks fizzled out. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Mehdi Zadegan’s pass slipped through Bheke, allowing Amirhossein to beat Gurpreet with ease.
Jamil’s halftime changes, including Jeakson Singh and Chinglensana Singh, unsettled India’s midfield rhythm, and as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser, gaps began to open. Iran doubled their lead in the 89th minute when Taremi’s movement created chaos and Ali Aliporghara smashed home a rebound.
The third arrived in stoppage time, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh threading a pass for Mehdi Taremi, who ghosted past a tiring Indian defence to seal a commanding win. India now face Afghanistan on September 4 in a must-win clash — both to revive their campaign and to avenge the World Cup Qualifier defeat earlier this year.
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