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Key Points

India's national football team prepares for the CAFA Nations Cup with an exciting 23-man squad led by coach Khalid Jamil. The tournament offers a critical opportunity to evaluate player performance before the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu makes a notable return to the team. The competition will feature intense matches against strong regional opponents like Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Key Points: Gurpreet Singh Returns for India's CAFA Nations Cup Challenge

  • India placed in challenging Group B with Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan
  • Tournament serves as crucial test before AFC Asian Cup qualifiers
  • Defending champions Iran look to maintain their title
  • Two invited teams Oman and India join six CAFA member nations
2 min read

Gurpreet Singh named in India's 23-man squad for CAFA Nations Cup

India's national football team set to compete in CAFA Nations Cup with Khalid Jamil's strategic squad selection for crucial tournament

"My doors are always open to every player - Khalid Jamil"

New Delhi, Aug 25

Khalid Jamil has named his 23-member squad for the CAFA Nations Cup, with goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu returning to the mix.

The Indian senior men's national team are participating in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025, starting from August 29, after Malaysia withdrew from the tournament due to logistical challenges and the unavailability of players.

India have been placed in Group B, which will be played in Dushanbe. India will play host Tajikistan (August 29), Iran (September 1), and Afghanistan (September 4).

Notably, the CAFA Nations Cup will be Jamil's first chance to see his team in action ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

"My doors are always open to every player. The CAFA Nations Cup will be an excellent opportunity for us to test our players against quality teams. Some players may not be in the squad right now because I want to try a few other less-tested ones, but rest assured, we will bring our best available squad for the Asian Cup qualifiers," Jamil had said.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the play-off stage, which will see two matches being played on September 8. The third-place match will be played between the two group runners-up in Dushanbe, while the two group winners will play the final in Tashkent.

CAFA has six members - Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Kygryz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Oman and India are the two invited sides for the second edition of the CAFA Nations Cup. Iran are the defending champions, having beaten Uzbekistan 1-0 in the 2023 final.

India squad for CAFA Nations Cup:

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais

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

Head coach: Khalid Jamil

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting squad selection by Khalid Jamil. Good to see he's giving opportunities to less-tested players before Asian Cup qualifiers. Hope this strategy pays off!
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Ananya R
Why no Sunil Chhetri? Even if he's being rested, his experience would be valuable against teams like Iran. Hope this doesn't backfire for Jamil.
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Vikram M
Playing against Iran will be the real test! Their football is at another level. Good exposure for our young players before the Asian Cup qualifiers.
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Sarah B
Good to see India getting more international exposure. The CAFA tournament might not be as prestigious, but every match counts for our FIFA ranking. Let's go Blue Tigers! 🐯
K
Karthik V
Afghanistan match will be crucial. We need to win that to have any chance of progressing. Hope the boys are ready for the challenge in Dushanbe!

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