Uzbekistan Clinches Historic CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Title in Tashkent
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: The final match of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 was held at the Olympic Stadium in Tashkent on Sunday, in the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In a tightly contested match, the national teams of Uzbekistan and Iran played out a goalless draw in regular time. Extra time was added, and just as the match seemed destined for penalties, Khojiakbar Alijonov scored in the 120th minute with a decisive header from a wing cross, sealing victory for the hosts.
With this dramatic win, the Uzbekistan national team claimed the CAFA Nations Cup title for the first time. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally presented the gold medals and trophy to the players. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other senior officials also attended the award ceremony.
The triumph marked the end of a 13-year winless streak for Uzbekistan against Iran, adding symbolic significance to the achievement. It also served as strong preparation for Uzbekistan ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The victory avenged their 0:1 loss to Iran in the final of the inaugural CAFA Nations Cup in 2023.
The 2025 edition of the tournament featured national teams from Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, India, and Oman. Held at the newly built Olympic Village in Tashkent, the competition showcased Uzbekistan’s growing sporting infrastructure and ambition on the international stage.
Observers noted the symbolic importance of Uzbekistan’s victory at the first international tournament hosted at the Olympic Village, describing it as a moment of pride for the nation. The new arenas, designed for future generations, have already become arenas of triumph, with hopes that this success will inspire further achievements for Uzbek sport worldwide.
