Iran Outclass India 3-0 in CAFA Nations Cup.
India’s promising start under new head coach Khalid Jamil hit a roadblock on September 1, as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Iran in the CAFA Nations Cup. The result, coming after their opening 2-1 win over Tajikistan, highlighted the gulf between India and Asia’s elite.
At the near-empty Isor Central Stadium, world No. 20 Iran asserted dominance from the outset against 133rd-ranked India. Early corners tested Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, while Mohammad Amin Hazbavi’s bursts of pace and Omid Noorafkan’s deliveries unsettled India’s defence marshalled by Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali.
India were forced into deep defending, looking for counters through Aashique Kuruniyan on the left and Rahul Bheke on the right. But poor passing and decision-making blunted their attacks.
Iran finally broke through in the 59th minute when Mehdi Zadegan played Amirhossein in behind Bheke, and the forward calmly slotted past Gurpreet. Jamil’s halftime changes, introducing Jeakson Singh and Chinglensana Singh, disrupted India’s midfield balance, leaving them chasing the game.
As India pressed forward, mistakes crept in. Misplaced passes from Jithin MS and overhit crosses from Uvais left attacks toothless. Iran capitalised late, doubling their lead in the 89th minute when Taremi’s playmaking set up Alireza Jahanbakhsh, whose rebound fell to Ali Aliporghara to finish.
In stoppage time, fatigue undid India. Jahanbakhsh slipped a ball into the box for Olympiakos striker Mehdi Taremi, who timed his run perfectly to slot home the third goal past Gurpreet.
The defeat leaves India needing a response against Afghanistan on September 4 — a game that carries added weight after their 2-1 loss to the same opponents in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers earlier this year.
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