President Presents Trophy to Uzbekistan’s National Team — Winners of the CAFA Nations Cup

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The final match of the CAFA Nations Cup took place at the Olympic Stadium in Tashkent, attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The decisive clash brought together the national teams of Uzbekistan and Iran. Regular time ended goalless, with the outcome decided in extra time. In the 120th minute, Khojiakbar Alijonov headed in a cross from the flank, putting the hosts ahead and securing victory.

Uzbekistan’s national team claimed gold medals and, for the first time, lifted the CAFA Nations Cup. The awards and trophy were presented to the players by the President. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other officials also took part in the ceremony.

The tournament marked an important stage in the team’s preparations for the World Cup and ended a 13-year winless streak against Iran. Notably, in the inaugural edition of the competition in 2023, Uzbekistan lost to Iran in the final 0:1.

The CAFA Nations Cup is held every two years under the auspices of the Central Asian Football Association. Alongside Uzbekistan and Iran, this year’s tournament featured teams from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, India, and Oman.

For Tashkent’s Olympic Village, the final was the first major international event, and the national team’s triumph gave it special symbolic meaning. The newly built arenas, designed for future generations, are already becoming the stage for sporting achievements and historic victories.