India vs Oman: CAFA Nations Cup 2025 3rd-Place Playoff Overview
On September 8, 2025, the Indian men's national football team faced Oman in the third-place playoff of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 at the Hisor Central Stadium in Hisor, Tajikistan. This match marked a significant moment for India, participating as guests in the tournament organized by the Central Asian Football Association. Ranked 133rd in the FIFA world rankings, India aimed to end their debut campaign on a positive note against the 79th-ranked Oman, a team they had not defeated since 1994. The encounter kicked off at 5:30 PM IST, with both sides vying for a bronze medal finish in a competition that featured strong Central Asian teams like Iran and Uzbekistan, alongside invited nations.
The CAFA Nations Cup, in its second edition, expanded to include guest teams like India and Oman, providing valuable international exposure ahead of major qualifiers. For India, under new head coach Khalid Jamil, this was an opportunity to build momentum for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. Oman, coached by experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz, entered as favorites, unbeaten in the group stage and looking to repeat their third-place finish from the 2023 edition.
Build-Up to the Match
India's journey to the third-place playoff was a mix of resilience and missed opportunities. Placed in Group B alongside defending champions Iran, Afghanistan, and co-hosts Tajikistan, the Blue Tigers started strongly with a 2-1 victory over Tajikistan—their first win against the hosts in 17 years. Goals from Vikram Partap Singh and an own goal secured the points, showcasing India's counter-attacking prowess. However, a 3-0 defeat to Iran exposed defensive vulnerabilities, though the team held firm for the first half before conceding. The group stage concluded with a goalless draw against Afghanistan, a result that ensured second place on head-to-head tiebreakers over Tajikistan, both finishing with four points.
Oman's path in Group A was more consistent. They drew 1-1 with co-hosts Uzbekistan, then secured 2-1 victories over Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Issam Al Sabhi emerged as a key figure, scoring a brace against Kyrgyzstan in the dying minutes to seal progression. Oman's unbeaten run (two wins, one draw) highlighted their attacking depth and defensive solidity, finishing second behind Uzbekistan on goal difference despite matching points (seven).
In the lead-up, India's camp emphasized positivity. Coach Khalid Jamil praised his players' "belief and hard work," noting that reaching the playoff as the second-lowest ranked team was a testament to their commitment. Defender Anwar Ali, who stepped up in the absence of injured captain Sandesh Jhingan, viewed the match as "a good opportunity to prepare for the Asian Cup qualifiers." Jhingan's cheekbone fracture from the Tajikistan game was a blow, forcing Rahul Bheke to partner Ali in central defense.
Oman, with a historical edge over India (seven wins, three draws in 10 meetings since 2000), aimed to maintain dominance. Their last encounter in 2021 ended 1-1, but Oman had won the previous six. Queiroz, known for his stints with Iran and Portugal, focused on exploiting India's scoring drought— the Blue Tigers failed to find the net in their last two group games.
Team Lineups and Tactics
India lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive stability while seeking counter-attacks. Starting XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Muhammed Uvais, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Nikhil Prabhu, Danish Farooq, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh, Irfan Yadwad.
Gurpreet, the experienced goalkeeper from Bengaluru FC, anchored the backline. The defense featured Uvais at left-back, Bheke and Ali centrally, and Ralte at right-back. Midfield duo Prabhu and Farooq provided shielding, with Mahesh Singh, Chhangte, and Partap Singh offering width and creativity. Yadwad led the line as the lone striker. Ashique Kuruniyan was suspended after two yellow cards, limiting midfield options.
Oman opted for a 4-3-3 to dominate possession. Starting XI: Ibrahim Al Mukhaini (GK), Ali Al Busaidi (C), Ahmed Al Rushaidi, Hassan Al Khamisi, Issam Al Sabhi, Ahmed Abdulghafur, Jameel Al Kaabi, Arshad Rahman Al Mushaifri, Omar Mabrook Al Mushaifri, Abdullah Al Rawahi, Salim Al Mashaikhi.
Al Mukhaini guarded the goal, with captain Al Busaidi leading a solid back four. The midfield trio of Abdulghafur, Al Kaabi, and Rahman Al Mushaifri controlled tempo, while the front three—Al Sabhi, Mabrook Al Mushaifri, and Al Rawahi—posed threats with pace and aerial ability.
Jamil's tactics emphasized discipline, aiming to frustrate Oman's attacks and exploit transitions through Chhangte's speed. Queiroz pushed for early pressure, targeting India's makeshift defense.
First Half Analysis
The match began with Oman asserting dominance, as expected from the higher-ranked side. In the 2nd minute, Arshad Rahman Al Mushaifri made a surging run down the left flank and delivered a low cross, but India's defense, led by Anwar Ali, cleared the danger. Oman controlled possession in the opening minutes, pinning India back and limiting their outlets.
By the 4th minute, Oman's pressure continued, with India struggling to build from the back. Wayward clearances highlighted early nerves, as the Blue Tigers resorted to long balls toward Irfan Yadwad. Oman circulated the ball efficiently, probing for openings.
India's first real chance came in the 11th minute via a free kick. Lallianzuala Chhangte, India's creative spark, whipped in a dangerous cross to the far post, causing chaos in the Oman box. The defense scrambled but cleared, denying Vikram Partap Singh a tap-in.
As the half progressed, India grew into the game, with Naorem Mahesh Singh and Danish Farooq winning midfield battles. However, Oman's Issam Al Sabhi remained a constant threat, nearly breaking through in the 7th minute with a header from a corner. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a routine save, but it underscored Oman's set-piece strength.
The half ended goalless, with Oman enjoying 60% possession but failing to convert dominance into goals. India's resilient defense earned praise, reminiscent of their first-half performance against Iran. No cards or substitutions were made, keeping the contest balanced.
Second Half Analysis
The second half saw India push for more possession, but Oman's quality shone through. Early on, Salim Al Mashaikhi tested Gurpreet with a long-range shot, parried away. India countered through Chhangte, who beat his marker but saw his cross intercepted.
Around the 60th minute, substitutions injected fresh energy. India brought on Manvir Singh for Vikram Partap Singh to add physicality upfront, while Oman introduced fresh legs in midfield to maintain control.
A key moment came when Issam Al Sabhi nearly scored, his shot deflecting off Rahul Bheke for a corner. India's defense held firm, with Anwar Ali making crucial blocks. The Blue Tigers had a golden opportunity when Irfan Yadwad's header from a Mahesh Singh cross went wide.
As the game wore on, fatigue set in, leading to a scrappy affair. Both teams created half-chances, but goalkeepers Al Mukhaini and Gurpreet remained unbreached. The match ended 0-0, reflecting a tactical stalemate where defenses triumphed over attacks.
No goals were scored, with no assists recorded. Cards were minimal: a yellow for Nikhil Prabhu in the 55th minute for a tactical foul. Substitutions included India's Boris Singh for Naorem Mahesh Singh and Oman's changes to bolster attack.
Key Player Performances
Anwar Ali was India's standout, earning Player of the Match for his commanding display in defense. His interceptions and leadership filled the void left by Sandesh Jhingan, limiting Oman to few clear chances.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's calm presence in goal was vital, making three saves. Lallianzuala Chhangte impressed with his delivery and pace, creating India's best moments.
For Oman, Issam Al Sabhi was a menace, constantly threatening with runs and headers. Captain Ali Al Busaidi organized the backline effectively, while Arshad Rahman Al Mushaifri's wing play stretched India's defense.
Rahul Bheke adapted well to central defense, and Danish Farooq's energy in midfield disrupted Oman's rhythm. Overall, performances were solid but lacked the cutting edge for goals.
Coach and Player Comments
Post-match, Khalid Jamil expressed satisfaction: "We came with a purpose, not just to participate. The belief and hard work brought us here. While we wanted a win, a draw against a strong Oman shows progress." He highlighted the team's positivity ahead of Asian Cup qualifiers.
Anwar Ali added: "An international game is always a big chance. We'll give our best to fight for third place. This prepares us well for what's next."
Carlos Queiroz praised his team's effort but rued missed opportunities: "We dominated but couldn't score. Credit to India's defense. We're proud of our unbeaten run."
Historical Context and Rivalry
The India-Oman rivalry dates to 1994, with India's 4-1 win remaining their sole victory. Since then, Oman has won seven, drawn three. Recent clashes include Oman's 2-1 and 3-0 wins in 2019 World Cup qualifiers, and a 1-1 friendly in 2021.
This match extended India's winless streak, but the draw was a moral victory against a superior side. For CAFA, it underscored the tournament's role in bridging Asian sub-regions.
Implications for the Future
For India, the draw provides confidence. Finishing fourth in their debut, ahead of Tajikistan and Afghanistan, boosts morale. With Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore looming, Jamil's defensive setup looks promising, though scoring issues persist—only two goals in four games.
Oman, securing third place via better group performance or tiebreakers, reinforces their regional strength. Unbeaten in the tournament, they eye stronger showings in Gulf Cup and Asian qualifiers.
The match highlights the value of guest invitations in CAFA, offering competitive fixtures outside traditional confederations.
Conclusion
The 0-0 draw in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 third-place playoff was a hard-fought affair, with India punching above their weight against Oman. While no goals thrilled the crowd at Hisor Central Stadium, the result symbolized progress for the Blue Tigers under Khalid Jamil. Defensive resilience from players like Anwar Ali and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stood out, setting a foundation for future challenges. Oman, despite dominance, couldn't break through, settling for a shared podium spot. As both teams look ahead, this encounter on September 8, 2025, serves as a reminder of football's fine margins and the growth opportunities in international play
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