CAFA Nations Cup squad announcement and group stage preview

AIFF Media 

In an atmosphere charged with anticipation and optimism, the Press Club of Bengaluru played host to the unveiling of Khalid Jamil as the new head coach of India’s senior men’s national football team. The press conference, organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), saw President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, Vice President Shri NA Haris, and Deputy Secretary General Shri M Satyanarayan officially welcome Jamil to the media and the country’s footballing fraternity.

Having spent the past ten days in camp with the squad, Jamil addressed the media with a clear focus - preparation and unity, “Our immediate attention is on the upcoming fixtures,” he stated. “We don’t have the luxury of time, so it’s about maximizing short-term preparation. As we move forward, we’ll set sights on bigger goals.”

When pressed about group rivals, Jamil acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead. “We’ve analyzed Tajikistan, IR Iran, and Afghanistan. They’re strong, well-organized teams. But our priority is sharpening our own game and staying mentally resilient. Team belief and unity will be the difference. Progress is visible, but development takes time. We must nurture young talent alongside the established names to secure our future.”

India, drawn in Group B of the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, faces a tough lineup: opening against hosts Tajikistan on August 29, followed by clashes with IR Iran and Afghanistan. Group winners will advance to the final in Tashkent, while second-placed sides battle for third place.

Jamil also highlighted the professionalism and commitment within the squad. “These players know what’s expected. Once they step on the pitch, focus is total. There are no excuses; everyone is committed. We’ll adapt, give new faces a chance, and work as a unit. That’s the only way forward.”

Following the press briefing, Jamil announced the 23-man squad tasked with representing the Blue Tigers on the continental stage. The team departs for Tajikistan in the early hours of August 26, ramping up preparations in Hisor before the tournament kicks off. 

India Squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025

• Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari.
• Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais.
• Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Thounaojam Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh Thangjam, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh Kumam, Naorem Mahesh Singh.
• Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (jr), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh.

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Khalid Jamil
• Assistant Coach: Mahesh Gawali
• Goalkeeping Coach: Feroz Sherif
• Strength and Conditioning Coach: Manuel D’Souza

Group Stage Overview

• Group A: Uzbekistan (hosts), Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Oman
• Group B: Tajikistan (hosts), IR Iran, Afghanistan, India

India's Fixtures 

• August 29: Tajikistan vs India, Hisor Central Stadium, 21:00 IST
• September 1: India vs IR Iran, Hisor Central Stadium, 17:30 IST
• September 4: Afghanistan vs India, Hisor Central Stadium, 17:30 IST 

Former State Footballer Stephen Passes Away at 38

Former Karnataka footballer Stephen, aged 38, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, 11:30 AM at SK Hospital, Jalahalli. He was undergoing treatment for jaundice.

Known for his skill as a striker, Stephen was a talented player who represented Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy campaigns of 2011 and 2012. Also, he played in various prestigious tournaments during his career including B.C. Roy Trophy in 2007, held in Faridabad, and U-21 National Football Championship.

Stephen also represented BDFA XI in the All India Football Tournament held at Don Bosco, Chennai, where his team emerged as winners in 2012. During his club career, he played for teams such as Universal FC, BEL, KSP, and BEML (KGF), and trained under noted coach Raman Vijayan. He later played for South United FC and continued his football journey as a player-cum-coach with Sree Gajanana FC.

Stephen is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. His body is being kept at his residence behind Aiyappa Swamy Temple, Jalahalli, for final respects. The burial is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Vidyaranyapuram Christian Cemetery.

The Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA), and Referees Board have expressed their deep condolences on the sudden and untimely demise of Stephen. 

Captain of ITI Federation Cup winning team PS Lionel no more

PS Lionel, the captain of the first edition of Federation Cup champion, Indian Telephone Industries, Bengaluru, passed away yesterday at his residence at Horamavu. 

Lionel was a true representative of the bygone days of typical Mysuru brand footballers, who relied on playing short passes, and quick exchanges of positions to baffle the opposition. His best days were witnessed in Calcutta when Lionel, along with a few other Mysuru footballers, Ramanna, Pappana, and Anthony Andrews. 

Lionel returned back to hometown to join ITI after playing with much success in Chennai and Calcutta. Prior to that he represented several local teams like Bangalore Mars, Muslim Heroes, 515 Army Base Workshop, and HAL. ITI went on winning the inaugural Federation Cup in 1977 at Ernakulam, Kerala under his captaincy. 

During Lionel's tenure, ITI was regarded as one of the best footbball clubs in the country. His body was taken to Christian Cemetery, Ulsoor, the burial services took place today evening. The football fraternity were present in numbers to pay last homage to the great footballer. 

   

Karnataka crash out of Santosh Trophy despite registering a thumping 11-0 victory over Andaman and Nicobar

The fate was already decided in the morning before Karnataka played their concluding match against Andaman and Nicobar in the four-team Group G encounter of 78th Santosh Trophy at the RDT Stadium, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. Maintaining an all-win record, Tamil Nadu made to the final round of Santosh Trophy. Karnataka, despite winning their last game with a thumping 11-0 margin proved of no help as the former champions finished with six points, behind Tamil Nadu. Nikhil Raj Murugesh (4), Ryan Wilfred S (2), Crispin Cleetus, Surya UK, Syed Ahmed, Karthik Govind Swamy, and Andrew Gurung were the scorers for Karnataka. 

 

Final round will be played with 9 group toppers (Group A thru I), previous edition's winner and runner-up, Services and Goa, and host state (final round).     

 

This was perhaps Karnataka’s worst Santosh Trophy performance in the last decade. Last season, they finished at the bottom of the group in the final round. A season before that (2022–23), Karnataka emerged champions of Santosh Trophy. They reached semi-final in 2021–22, 2018–19, and 2017–18 season. 

 

Karthik Govindswamy to lead Karnataka in 78th Santosh Trophy

Karthik Govindswamy of BDFA Super Division team FC Agniputhra will lead the Karnataka state football team in the 78th Santosh Trophy. It was under his captaincy Karnataka won Santosh Trophy in 2022-23 season. Also, this will be Karthik’s third time in last three years that will be captaining Karnataka state in the national football championship. 

Slotted in Group G, Karnataka will play their group stage Qualifying Round at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh from November 15 to 19.

Fixture

• 15-11-2024: Andhra Pradesh Vs Karnataka 
• 17-11-2024: Karnataka Vs Tamil Nadu
• 19-11-2024: Karnataka Vs Andaman & Nicobar 

Team 

Karthik Govindswamy, Deepak S (GK), Sujay S (GK), Andrew G, Kiran Saravanan, Ahmed Faiz Khan, Deepak Kumar, Rudra Ved, Ashik Adhikari, Nivrutti Sunil Pavanoji, Shreyas Ketkar, Ryan Wilfred, Edwin Rossario, Akshay, Nikhil Raj, Godwin Johnson, Vijay, Surya UK, Crispin C. Cleetus, Ashwin Chakravarthy, Abhishek Powar, Sayed Ahmed 

Coaching staff & officials

Irudaya Raj Babu (Head Coach), Shiva Mani (Assistant Coach, R Nanda Kumar (Team Manager), Bappaditya Bhattacharjee (Administrative Manager), Mohd. Ahmed Hakeem (Physiotherapist)