CAFA Nations Cup: India qualify for third-place match after Tajikistan vs Iran ends in draw

India have secured a spot in the CAFA Nations Cup third-place match based on head-to-head record after Tajikistan and Iran drew 2-2 on Thursday.Earlier that day, India played a goalless draw with Afghanistan. Their previous 2-1 victory over Tajikistan in the tournament opener proved crucial for Khalid Jamil's team's progression.Both India and Tajikistan finished with four points, but India claimed second place in Group B due to their head-to-head advantage.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India will compete in the third-fourth place match on September 8. Their opponents will be determined on Friday after the completion of Group A matches in Tashkent.Iran's Mohammad Mohebi scored twice at 38 and 47 minutes. Tajikistan fought back with goals from Shahrom Samiev at 58 minutes and Zoir Dzhuraboev at 78 minutes, but couldn't secure a spot in the third-place match.India struggled to capitalize on their opportunities in their earlier match against Afghanistan.Afghanistan began aggressively, though India created better chances on counter-attacks early in the game.After fifteen minutes, Ashique Kuruniyan broke through on the left and passed to Irfan Yadwad, who missed his shot.Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made an important save from Ali Reza Panahi's long-range effort in the 24th minute. Shortly after, Yadwad's shot went wide of the far post.Ashique stole the ball from Afghanistan defender Mahboob Hanifi in the 34th minute but was stopped by goalkeeper Faisal Ahmad Hamidi. This collision resulted in a booking for Ashique.Jithin MS, making his first start for India, created two opportunities before halftime. His pass to Ashique was blocked, and his shot on the turn went over the crossbar.India showed more control in the second half after coach Khalid Jamil brought in Manvir Singh (Jr) and Vikram Partap Singh.Around the hour mark, Nikhil Prabhu's through ball to Jithin just missed its target. Jithin had another chance from Uvais' throw in the 66th minute, but his shot went high.Afghanistan's best opportunity came in the 71st minute when Hossein Zamani's cross found Yama Sherzad, whose shot was deflected onto the crossbar by Sandhu.Despite Afghanistan's late pressure, India's defense remained solid to secure the draw.This result marked an improvement for India, who had previously lost to Afghanistan in their March 2024 World Cup Qualifier match.