Indian will begin its first-ever CAFA Nations Cup 2025 campaign against host Tajikistan at the Hisor Central Stadium in Hisor, Tajikistan, on Friday.
The Blue Tigers have been placed in Group B, where, after facing the hosts, they will play IR Iran (September 1) and Afghanistan (September 4). Group A, meanwhile, consists of hosts Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Oman.
The top teams from each group will play each other in the final, while the two second-placed teams will face off in the third-place match, both to be played on September 8.
ALSO READ: FIFA threatens to ban AIFF if constitution not ratified by October 30
India head coach Khalid Jamil sounded satisfied with his side’s 10-day preparatory camp in Bengaluru, preceding the tournament.
“We had a good preparation for the CAFA Nations Cup. Every player worked hard before coming here. It is a pleasure for us to participate in this tournament,” he said.
Jamil is fully aware of the threats that the opponents pose to India (133rd in the FIFA Rankings), but is more intent on the Blue Tigers playing their own game.
“Yes, we know about them (Tajikistan). They are a strong side and have done well recently. But we must focus on our own game and be mentally prepared,” Jamil said.
“It is important for us to play as a unit and keep improving every match. The process will take time. We want to focus on both the juniors and the seniors to build a strong unit for the future matches.”
The India head coach stressed the importance of spreading positivity in the team.
RELATED: With no Mohun Bagan players, Jamil accepts Indian challenge before CAFA Nations Cup 2025
“We must think fresh, we must think positive. Yes, this is an away game against a good team, but we have to prepare accordingly and think only of one thing – a positive result. All the players must take responsibility. I feel that we are ready to accept this challenge.
India and Tajikistan have played each other five times in history, with the Central Asian country winning three. The Blue Tigers’ only win against Tajikistan came in the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 final, where India defeated the Persian Lions 4-1.
That result was 18 years ago, and Tajikistan (106th in the FIFA Rankings) are a different side now.
Published on Aug 28, 2025
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com