India football captain Sandesh Jhingan will return home after sustaining a jaw injury during the 0-3 defeat to Iran in the CAFA Nations Cup.
The defender picked up the injury in the first half but continued to play the full 90 minutes, once again showcasing his fighting spirit for the Men in Blue.
“Defender Sandesh Jhingan had sustained an injury during India’s #CAFANationsCup2025 match against IR Iran, and has been ruled out of the remaining matches. He will return to India today,” Indian Football posted on social media.
Jhingan’s recovery will be monitored closely, with the centre-back expected to be a key figure for FC Goa when they begin their AFC II campaign against Al-Zawraa SC on September 17. He had been central to Manolo Marquez’s side in their 2-1 win over Al-Seeb Club, which secured qualification for the continental tournament.
Against Iran, India defended stoutly for an hour before conceding. Hossein Kanaani lofted a cross to the far post for Hosseinzadeh, whose header was blocked by Rahul Bheke. The rebound, however, fell kindly for Hosseinzadeh, who finished from close range.
Iran’s quality showed in the closing stages. Alireza Jahanbakhsh forced a save, Mehdi Taremi struck the post on the rebound, and Alipour tucked in at the far post to make it 2-0. Moments later, Jahanbakhsh released Taremi on the counter, and the striker slotted home Iran’s third.
India, with one win and a loss so far, will now look to bounce back in their final group game against Afghanistan on Thursday.