How has Indian Football fared under Khalid Jamil in his first assignment?

Overview

• In Khalid Jamil's maiden assignment as the Head Coach, the Indian Football team won the Bronze medal at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025
• India held the 20th ranked Iran for a major part of their match and beat Tajikistan in their backyard for the first time
• The Indian team overcame the 77th-ranked Oman for the first time in 31 years to win the Bronze Medal

In Khalid Jamil's maiden assignment as the Head Coach, the Indian Football team won the Bronze medal at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. India held the 20th ranked Iran for a major part of their match and beat Tajikistan in their backyard for the first time. The Indian team overcame the 77th-ranked Oman for the first time in 31 years to win the Bronze Medal.

India was not slated to be a part of the tournament, but was invited as a special invitee in Malaysia's absence. The Men in Blue were grouped alongside the World No.20 Iran, hosts Tajikistan, and Afghanistan in the Group B. India's campaign started against the hosts in front of 17,450 fans.

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For the first time in its history, India beat Tajikistan in their backyard 2-1, thanks to Anisa Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jingan's goals. India later played Iran and contained them for 0-1 for the first 89 minutes of the match. A loss in momentum meant India lost the match 0-3.

Indian Football team scripts historic win against Oman to win Bronze Medal at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025

The match against Afghanistan ended in a draw, as India failed to convert chances into goals. As Tajikistan could not beat Iran, India progressed to the Bronze Medal match and faced the 77th ranked Oman, whom they had never beaten in the last 31 years.

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The match was incredible, as there was nothing to separate between the two teams at the end of full time. Even in the extra time, there was no goal, which led to a penalty shootouts. India won it 3-2 to claim a famous win. Under Jamil, India's tenure has started on a fine note.