Tajikistan vs Iran: CAFA Nations Cup Prediction (04.09.2025)

On September 4, 2025, at 17:30 CEST, at the Central Stadium in Hisor, the Tajikistan national football team will face Iran in the third and final round of Group B of the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup. Tajikistan lost to India 1:2 but defeated Afghanistan 2:0, earning three points. Iran remains unbeaten: defeating Afghanistan 3:1 and India 3:0. The group winner advances to the final, while the runner-up plays for third place.

In the Tajikistan vs Iran clash, the prediction must consider several factors. Tajikistan has high motivation and home support, but Iran is clearly superior in class and experience. Moreover, the Persians are defending their title won two years ago.

Tajikistan

For Gela Shekiladze’s team, the decisive match was against India, an invited participant outside CAFA. The “Crusaders” entered as favorites but conceded two quick goals and could not recover.

Tajikistan usually competes evenly against teams of lower caliber than Iran, such as the Philippines, East Timor, and Cambodia. It would take a miracle for the host nation to overcome the tournament’s main favorites in this decisive match.

Iran

The “Persian Leopards,” coached by Amir Ghalenoei, were among the first Asian Football Confederation teams to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The squad is solid, though not overly star-studded. Their brightest name is Olympiacos forward Mehdi Taremi, but at 33, he often appears only as a substitute late in games, serving more as an informal leader and mentor.

At the CAFA Nations Cup, the “Princes of Persia” are overwhelming favorites. It would take a true shock for Iran not to claim the gold. Ghalenoei is unlikely to let his players lose focus this Thursday.

Head-to-head statistics

These teams are on such different levels that they rarely meet in competitive matches. Results from past decades are not relevant.

Prediction

Iran may show some respect to the host side on the pitch but will not drop points.

The recommended bet is Iran with a -1.5 handicap.