- India vs Afghanistan ended in a goalless draw
- India now has to win at least one out of the next three matches to advance to qualifier round three
- Return leg in Guwahati on the 26th of March
Team India entered the match against Afghanistan as favourites. But they missed several chances to close down the match and cement their qualification spot for the third phase. India was held to a goalless draw by Afghanistan in Abha, Saudi Arabia. They climbed to second in Group A in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, after Qatar defeated Kuwait 3-0.
Sunil Chhetri led the attack for the Blue Tigers but the forward line spurned plenty of chances to score. On the other hand, Afghanistan stayed organized in defence and had its moments as well. In the end, both sides shared the spoils in an attritional contest.
India vs Afghanistan Highlights
The result places greater emphasis on the return leg in Guwahati on the 26th of March, as well as the home tie against Kuwait in June if India is to progress to the third round for the first time. Igor Stimac had set up with an emphasis on wing play. The players responded well to Coach’s idea and had an early chance to take advantage. In the 16th minute – Akash Mishra’s cleverly floated cross found Manvir Singh in space in the box. But the forward’s first-time shot trickled wide. Indian team left frustrated with similar outcomes from other wing attacks also. The closest shot of the match was Rahmat Akbari’s attempt which hit the crossbar. With both sides failing to break the deadlock, the match ended in a goalless draw.
Igor Stimac’s side is now second in the table, thanks to Kuwait’s loss to Qatar. India certainly fashioned plenty of opportunities with Vikram Partap Singh, Manvir Singh and Subhasish Bose spurning gilt-edged chances to score. It’s a spell of 5 games without a goal from India. And with the return leg just five days away, Sunil Chhetri and co need to put up efforts in finishing to qualify for the third round of matches. that ought to raise concerns ahead of the return leg in Guwahati in 5 days
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