CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Schedule: Indian Football Team Replaces Malaysia

The 2025 Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup is set to commence from the last week of August in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. According to multiple media reports, India is set to replace Malaysia in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. At a time when there's uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League due to the impending MRA expiration, it is a golden opportunity for the Blue Tigers to hone their skills, warm up, and prepare accordingly ahead of the two vital games against Singapore. After a poor start to the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, India's hopes of qualifying for the topmost continental competition will solely rely on the results of the next two games. India are currently at the bottom of the table, but two consecutive wins over Singapore could see them climb to the top spot. We find out how important the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 is for the Indian football team.

Who will be India's opponents in the group stage in Group B?

As per reports, India are set to replace Malaysia in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup. India will participate in this competition as a guest nation in the six-member association's tournament. India will rub their shoulders against Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan in the group stage fixtures. The winner of the group will advance to the finals, whereas the runners-up will fight for third place. It will be a big opportunity for the Blue Tigers to face strong opponents like Iran, who are currently ranked 20th in the world, and hosts Tajikistan, who are relatively better than India in the rankings.

Who will top Group A to clinch the spot for the finals?

Group A will feature Uzbekistan as the hosts alongside Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Oman. Uzbekistan's meteoric rise in Asian and world football is nothing less than an inspiration, and they will emerge as the favourites to top the group. They are ranked 55th in the latest FIFA rankings. Both Oman and Kyrgyzstan also rank below 100 in the latest FIFA ranking. This group is set to witness some fiery clashes for the top and the second spot.

India's match fixtures and dates for CAFA Cup 2025

India are expected to kickstart their campaign against Tajikistan on 29 August 2025. They will lock horns against Iran next before playing their final group stage match against Afghanistan. The final or the third-place match is scheduled to take place on 8 September 2025. If India manages to hold Tajikistan to a draw or wins the game and maintains a decent scoreline against Iran, they will have a sure shot chance to topple Afghanistan in the final game to secure the top two spots.