Magnificent Gurpreet steers India to third place with a victory against Oman
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s brilliance guided the Blue Tigers to finish at third place in the CAFA Nations Cup with an exciting 3-2 triumph over fancied Oman at Hisor Central Stadium in Hisor, Tajikistan, on Monday. India conceded the goal in the 55th minute as a center from the left was punched by Yahmadi on the run that found the far corner of the net. Despite the pressure from Oman, the Blue Tigers did not give up and offered penetrative counter-attacks also. The scorelione was leveled finally by Udanta Singh in the 80th minute. The chance was created from a long throw-in. The ball was nicely flicked behind by Danish from Bheke’s throw and Udanta dived to head the ball inside the net. The regulation time of 90 minutes and the next 30 minutes of extra-time ended 1-1 stalemate before the penalty shoot-out started. Chhangte, Rahul Bheke, and Jithin MS struck for India. Udanta missed the crucial one, but Gurpreet thwarted off Al Yahmadi’s final shot to ensure a 3-2 victory for India.
Khalid Jamil says Chhetri likely to be called up before Asian Cup qualifier in October
Chief coach of present senior national team Khalid Jamil revealed during the media conference held in Bengaluru on Monday that Sunil Chhetri who returned to senior national team breaking his international retirement, but not included in the present senior national team, is likely to be called up again before India’s all-important Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore in October. Jamil, on the day before senior national team’s departure for Hisor, Tajikistan to participate in the CAFA Nations Cup, said, “I had talks with Sunil. He assured he would be available for the senior national team’s next Asian Cup qualifying match against Singapore in October, this year.” On the challenges in CAFA Nations Cup, he said, “Yes, we have information on Tajikistan, IR Iran, and Afghanistan. They are strong sides and have done well recently. But we must focus on our own game and be mentally prepared. The key is belief and playing as a unit. There is improvement, but it will take time. Focus should also be given to juniors alongside seniors, to build a strong future.” India will face hosts Tajikistan (August 29), IR Iran (September 1), and Afghanistan (September 4) in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, in Hisor, Tajikistan. The group winners will play the final in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while the two second-placed teams in each group will face off in the third-place match. Jamil stressed the importance of unity and professionalism in the team. He said, “The players are professionals. Once they enter the ground, they are focussed. For me, there is no excuse. Everyone is working hard. We will play as a team, adapt with whoever is available, and give opportunities for new players to prove themselves and become stars.”
