Uzbekistan defeats Iran to win CAFA-2025 Cup

The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 concluded in Tashkent. On 8 September, Uzbekistan and Iran faced each other in the final.

The match started poorly for Iran. In just the 5th minute, defender Aria Yousefi was shown a red card for a rough challenge on Abbos Fayzullaev and sent off.

Despite playing with an extra man for almost the entire match, the hosts struggled to capitalize on the advantage. Iran defended in an organized manner and launched dangerous counterattacks. Uzbekistan also created chances, but their finishing lacked accuracy.

After regular time ended goalless, extra time was played. In the 15th minute of extra time, Eldor Shomurodov missed a penalty – his powerful strike flew over the crossbar.

Just as the match seemed destined for a penalty shootout, Uzbekistan found the breakthrough. In the 120th minute, a cross into the box was met by Hojiakbar Alijonov, who headed the ball past the Iranian goalkeeper.

Iran nearly equalized in the dying seconds, but Mehdi Taremi failed to convert a clear opportunity.

Thus, Uzbekistan became the champion of the second CAFA Nations Cup. The first tournament was held in 2023, where Uzbekistan lost 0–1 to Iran in the final.

The third-place play-off took place in Hisor, Tajikistan, where India faced Oman. The match ended 1–1 after regular and extra time, with India winning the penalty shootout 3–2.

It is worth noting that Iran has long been a difficult opponent for Uzbekistan. Before this match, the two national teams had met 16 times, with Iran winning 10 and 5 ending in draws. Uzbekistan’s only victory had come in 2012 in Tehran, with a 1–0 scoreline.