Sandesh Jhingan suffered from cheekbone fracture in Cafa Nations Cup, under Medical Care in Goa: AIFF

The Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan suffered a cheekbone fracture during the Indian Cafa Nations Cup 2025 match against Iran, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and FC Goa said in a joint explanation on Friday.

The statement added that he is currently under «Expert Medical Care» in Goa.

On Wednesday, AIFF said that the 32-year-old was excluded from the rest of the tournament after storing the injury during the 0-3 loss of Iran on 1 September.

«AIFF and FC Goa remain fully tailored to insuring Sandesh receives the best treatment and any support that is required during this period,» said the statement.

«The AIFF confirms its dedication to always be with players and clubs when injuries take place at National duty, which expands complete care and help,» it added.

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The tournament is the newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil’s first assignment, and Jhingan was a crucial part of the setup and scored the winning goal against Tajikistan in the opener.

Despite the blow, however, India qualified for third place play-off competition after being held on a Pathanistan by Afghanistan in his last group B meeting.

The Blue Tigers had to wait for the second game of the day between Iran and Tadjikistan, who ended in a 2-2 draw to learn their fate.

The men of Khalid Jamil finished the group in second place with four points (a victory, a loss and a draw), while Iran Groep B each covered with seven points of three games each.

Published on 05 September 2025