The first ever Historic CAFA Nations Cup 2023 of the Central Asian Football Federation ended with the victory of the IR Iran national team.

Taking place from June 10 to 20 in Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, the CAFA Nations Cup has captured the attention of football enthusiasts across the region. The participating teams include Central Asian National teams such as Afghanistan, IR Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Joining them as a guest team are Oman, have added an intriguing dynamic to the competition.

CAFA Nations cup has provided an opportunity for Central Asian nations to come together. The tournament holds broader significance for the development of football in Central Asia showcasing the region’s growing commitment to the sport and its potential to produce competitive teams on the international stage. It also represents an opportunity for CAFA nations to showcase their footballing power on a regional stage. The competition also serves as valuable preparation ahead of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, scheduled to take place in Qatar in January next year. Moreover the tournament holds immense importance, not only for the participating nations but for the development and recognition of football in Central Asia as a whole.

This inaugural edition of the tournament had a two-stage format, starting with the group stage. Group A consists of Uzbekistan, along with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Oman while Group B comprises Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, and Afghanistan. The top teams from each group progress to the final, while the runners-up battle it out for third place. Both these matches was held on June 20.

One of the key aspects that make the CAFA Nations Cup important is its ability to provide a platform for talent to shine.

In the final match, the Iranian team defeated the Uzbek team — 1:0. The author of the only and winning goal was Serdar Azmoun.

In the game for the third place of the CAFA Nations Cup-2023 tournament, the Oman team beat the Kyrgyz Republic team with a score of 1:0 and won bronze medals.

President of the Central Asian Football Association Mr. Rustami Emomali, President of the Uzbekistan Football Association Mr. Abdusalom Azizov, First Vice President of Uzbekistan Football Association Mr. Ravshan Irmatov and CAFA Secretary General Mr. Ulugbek Karimov attended the awards ceremony for the winners and individual awards of the CAFA Nations Cup 2023.

As a result of the tournament, the Fair Play prize was awarded to the national team of Uzbekistan. The award of the Top scorer of the tournament and the best player was received by Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, who scored six goals in total. And the best goalkeeper of the tournament was named the goalkeeper of the Oman national team Ibrahim Saleh Al-Muhaini.