Uzbekistan Vs Iran Highlights, CAFA Nations Cup Final: Alijonov’s 120th-Minute Winner Crowns UZB Champions

Welcome back, football fans! The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 final is here, Uzbekistan face Iran in what promises to be an electrifying showdown. Follow our live blog for every goal, tackle, and moment from Tashkent.

The match won't be available for live streaming or broadcast in India.

The two teams have met 16 times previously, and Iran lead Uzbekistan 10-1 with five draws. Uzbekistan's only win in this matchup came in November 2012, in a FIFA World Cup 4th round meeting at Azadi Stadium, Tehran.

In their most recent meeting, also a FIFA World Cup qualifier (3rd round), they played out a 2-2 draw, their fourth stalemate in a row, following seven successive wins for Iran.

And we’re off! The whistle blows and Uzbekistan take the first touch against Iran in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Final. The stadium is buzzing, fans waving flags, drums pounding, you can feel the tension in the air.

Both teams are circling, probing, feeling each other out in these opening moments. Stay glued, because it’s going to be one fiery ride.

19’ – Still goalless! Uzbekistan and Iran are locked in a tactical chess match out there. The midfield is buzzing with challenges, passes are flying, but neither side has found that killer touch yet. Fans are on the edge of their seats, you can almost hear the collective 'come on!' echoing around the stadium.

45’ + 7 minutes added, the referee isn’t letting this half end quietly. Seven extra minutes of edge-of-your-seat action before the break. Uzbekistan and Iran are still pushing hard, looking for that elusive opener. The tension is palpable, every pass and tackle drawing gasps from the crowd.

And that’s the whistle for the break. A cagey first half with chances at both ends, but no breakthrough yet. Midfields are buzzing, defenses are holding strong, and the goalkeepers are keeping their clean sheets intact. Fans are on the edge, knowing the second half could turn this stalemate into fireworks.

Time to grab a drink, stretch, and get ready, the real action is just about to begin.

And we’re back! The second half is underway, and both Uzbekistan and Iran are hungry for that breakthrough. The players look sharper, the crowd is louder, and every touch feels like it could spark a goal.

Still deadlocked! Uzbekistan and Iran just can’t find the back of the net. The tension is off the charts, every attack met with desperate defending. Fans are on their feet, chanting, waving flags, willing their team to strike. One moment of magic could decide this final, and we are in the final stretch.

And we’re into Extra Time! 101’ on the clock and still no goals in this nail-biter of a final. Both Uzbekistan and Iran are digging deep, legs tired but hearts still full of fire. Every touch, every cross could be the one to finally break the deadlock.

Wow! Heartbreak for Uzbekistan! They earn a golden penalty, the stadium holds its breath, and it sails wide. Fans are in disbelief, players clutching their heads, that was a massive chance to snatch the lead.

Looks like this epic final is heading straight for a penalty shootout after extra time. The tension? Absolutely unbearable. Who will keep their nerve under pressure.

Ah, not the breakthrough, it’s a yellow card for Alibek Davronov. He goes into the referee’s book after a late challenge, and the crowd lets out a mix of boos and nervous cheers. Tempers are flaring, legs are heavy, and every tackle feels like it could tip the balance.

GOOOAAALLL UZBEKISTAN! Right at the death, when everyone was bracing for penalties, Uzbekistan smash one into the back of the net! It’s Khojiakbar Alijonov who delivers the knockout blow in the 120th minute.

The stadium explodes, fans leaping, flags flying, absolute bedlam in the stands. Iran’s players sink to their knees in disbelief, they were seconds away from a shootout, but Alijonov has snatched the trophy for Uzbekistan in the most dramatic fashion.

That’s a wrap from Tashkent. Uzbekistan are the new CAFA Nations Cup champions, thanks to Khojiakbar Alijonov’s last-gasp heroics. What a night, what a final! We’ll be back soon with another live blog, until then, thanks for joining us and bye-bye.