How can India qualify for CAFA Nations Cup playoffs?

How can India qualify for CAFA Nations Cup playoffs?

Qualification for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 playoffs will be on the line when India faces Afghanistan in its final Group B match at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan on Thursday.

The Blue Tigers have so far registered one win and one defeat in the tournament, beating host Tajikistan 2-1 before falling 0-3 to IR Iran.

India is level on three points with Tajikistan, but is ahead on head-to-head record. The group winner will progress to the final, while the second-placed sides from each group will contest the third-place playoff, both scheduled for September 8.

For the Blue Tigers, the equation is straightforward:

If India beats/draws with Afghanistan: India will qualify, provided Tajikistan does not beat Iran.

If India loses to Afghanistan: India will be out. The race for the runner-up will be between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, with the latter qualifying due to a better head-to-head record.

Published on Sep 04, 2025