The Indian men’s football team will be starting a new chapter when it prepares for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, to be held from August 29 to September 8 in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The Blue Tigers, placed in Group B, will be playing all their group games in Hisor, a football-loving town close to Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
A Fresh Start Amid Turbulence
It’s not been the best of years for Indian football. The team has managed only a solitary victory in 2025 till now, and desperate times call for desperate measures. The hiring of Khalid Jamil as the coach is the first big step in the road to recovery. With his tactical awareness and motivational bite, Jamil has one of the toughest challenges facing him in his career.
It is a huge task for me. I have achieved what I desired. For me, now is to deliver,” said Jamil in Bengaluru, expressing his commitment to injecting fresh energy into the team.
India’s Road in Group B
India begin their journey against a challenging opener against hosts Tajikistan on August 29 at 9:00 PM IST. They will then face regional giants Iran on September 1, before taking on Afghanistan on September 4.
The group winners and runner-ups will proceed to the play-offs with the final being held in Tashkent on September 8.
Who’s in the Squad?
The 25-man team has a mix of experienced names and new talents.
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwar
Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvai
Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh
Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (Jr.), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh
Where to Watch?
Fans can watch all the action live on Fancode, the official streaming partner of the tournament.
A New Dawn for Indian Football?
With defenders like Sandesh Jhingan, midfielders like Suresh Wangjam, and attackers like Lallianzuala Chhangte, India possesses the firepower to impress. But the million-dollar question remains – will Khalid Jamil be able to motivate the team to overcome sterner CAFA opposition and write a memorable script?
