Tajikistan bounced back from their opening defeat to secure a 2-0 victory over Afghanistan in the CAFA Nations Cup on September 1, 2025. The win kept Tajikistan's hopes of qualification alive in the tightly contested group. Playing with greater intensity, Tajikistan opened the scoring in the first half through a well-worked team move. They continued to press and were rewarded with a second goal early in the second half, giving them a comfortable cushion. Afghanistan tried to respond but found the Tajik defense resolute, with the home side seeing out the match to claim a clean sheet and three vital points. The result set up a decisive final group match for both teams.