Tajikistan held top-ranked Iran to a 2-2 draw with two second-half goals, but the result was not enough for the hosts to reach the playoff stage of the CAFA Nations Cup. A superior head-to-head record ensured India booked their place in the third-place playoff against either Oman or Uzbekistan on 8 September.
Earlier in the evening, India were held to a goalless draw by Afghanistan in their final group-stage encounter, leaving their qualification hopes dependent on the outcome of the Iran–Tajikistan clash. An upset win for Tajikistan would have ended India’s campaign.
Iran, however, looked in complete control after Mohammad Mohebi’s first-half brace gave them a 2-0 cushion. The hosts mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, with Shahrom Samiev pulling one back in the 58th minute before Zoir Dzhuraboev equalised midway through the half to make it 2-2.
For Indian fans, it was a nerve-racking encounter as they anxiously prayed for no further drama. A Tajikistan win would have crushed India’s playoff hopes, but the draw ultimately worked in their favour. When the final whistle blew, relief swept through the Indian camp and among supporters, as the team secured another competitive fixture in this international window.
India’s opponent in the playoff will be decided on Friday, with Oman taking on Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan facing Kyrgyzstan.
Few would have expected India to progress this far, given the season has yet to hit full rhythm due to the uncertainty surrounding the MRA deadlock. Head coach Khalid Jamil had only 10 days of preparation with his squad in Bengaluru before his first assignment in charge.
Regardless of the result in the playoff, this campaign will be seen as valuable. In a window where India were initially scheduled to play only one or two friendlies, the chance to test themselves against some of Asia’s top sides across four competitive matches will provide a significant boost ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in October against Singapore.
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