Blow to India as Sandesh Jhingan ruled out of CAFA Nations Cup due to injury

Star Indian defender and captain Sandesh Jhingan has been ruled out of the remaining CAFA Nations Cup matches after sustaining an injury during India's 0-3 defeat to Iran, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old's injury is a significant setback ahead of India's final Group B clash against Afghanistan on Thursday. The Blue Tigers currently sit second in the four-team group with three points from two games, following a thrilling 2-1 win over hosts Tajikistan and the subsequent defeat to Asian powerhouse Iran, who top the group with six points. India's hopes of advancing to the third-place match now rest on the result against Afghanistan.

The CAFA Nations Cup is newly-appointed head coach Khalid Jamil's first assignment, and Jhingan was pivotal in the team's setup, scoring the winning goal against Tajikistan in the opener and playing every minute of both matches. He also captained the side against Iran and was named Player of the Match in the victory over Tajikistan.

"Defender Sandesh Jhingan sustained an injury during India's CAFA Nations Cup 2025 match against Iran and has been ruled out of the remaining matches. He will return to India today," the AIFF posted on X.

India, ranked 133rd in the world, had stunned 106th-ranked Tajikistan with early goals from defenders Anwar Ali (5th minute) and Jhingan (13th minute). Despite the heavy loss against Iran, the team remains in contention for a spot in the third-place match if they hold their position.

Jhingan, reflecting on the defeat, posted on social media: "Although the scoreline is something that continues to hurt, there are still a lot of positives from this game. Thank you to all who came to the stadium to support and everyone back home cheering for us. Upwards and onwards."

The defender's absence is also a concern for his club, FC Goa, ahead of their AFC Champions League Two group opener against Al-Zawraa SC (Iraq) on September 17. Jhingan played a crucial role in Goa's recent win against Oman Professional League champions Al Seeb, which secured the team's place in the group stage.