Uzbekistan beats Iran 1–0 to win CAFA Nations Cup

The Uzbekistan national football team has won the CAFA Nations Cup, defeating Iran 1–0 in the final, the country’s National Olympic Committee said.

The match remained goalless through regular time, prompting extra time. With the game seemingly headed toward a penalty shootout, Khojiakbar Alijonov scored in the 120th minute, heading in a cross from the flank to secure victory for Uzbekistan, Caliber.Az reports per the committee. 

Gold medals and the trophy were presented to the team by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other officials also attended the award ceremony.

According to the press service of the Uzbek presidency, the tournament, held for the first time in Tashkent’s Olympic Village, marked a breakthrough for the national team as it ended a 13-year winless streak against Iran. Officials described the competition as strong preparation ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The statement also noted that in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2023, Uzbekistan had lost to Iran 1–0 in the final.

The CAFA Nations Cup is organised by the Central Asian Football Association and takes place every two years. Alongside Uzbekistan and Iran, the 2025 competition featured teams from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, India and Oman.

By Sabina Mammadli