Is India Skipper Sandesh Jhingan Out of the CAFA Nations Cup Due to a Jaw Injury?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sandesh Jhingan is ruled out of the remaining matches in the CAFA Nations Cup.
- He will return to India for recovery.
- Jhingan's leadership is crucial for FC Goa in upcoming matches.
- The match against Iran showcased India's strong defensive efforts.
- India aims to secure a win against Afghanistan in their final group game.
New Delhi, Sep 3 (NationPress) India captain Sandesh Jhingan is set to return to India on Wednesday after sustaining a jaw injury during the 0-3 loss against Iran in the CAFA Nations Cup. Jhingan was injured in the first half but showed remarkable resilience by playing the full match, showcasing his warrior spirit for the Men in Blue.
“Defender Sandesh Jhingan suffered 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,” announced Indian Football on ‘X’.
His injury will be monitored closely, as he is a key player for FC Goa, who are set to begin their AFC II campaign against Al-Zawraa SC on September 17. Jhingan played a pivotal role in Manolo Marquez’s side's 2-1 victory over Al-Seeb Club, which secured Goa's qualification for the continental tournament.
In the match against Iran, India displayed strong defensive tactics, holding off Iran for an hour before a bit of luck favored them. Hossein Kanaani delivered a cross that was initially blocked by Indian defender Rahul Bheke, but the ball fell back to Hosseinzadeh, who netted it from close range.
The experience of Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Taremi was evident in the closing minutes. Jahanbakhsh's shot was saved, and Taremi's follow-up hit the post before Alipour capitalized, increasing the score to two for Iran.
Shortly after, Iran launched a quick counter-attack, with a through ball from Jahanbakhsh finding Taremi, who added a third goal for the world number 20s.
Having won one and lost one match, India aims for victory in their final group game against Afghanistan on Thursday.