FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Afghanistan stun India to keep qualification hopes alive
The Blue Tigers suffered a 1-2 loss at the hands of Afghanistan, which was their second defeat in the World Cup qualifiers.
The Indian football team suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat against Afghanistan in their FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup Joint Qualification Round 2 game at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, India, on Tuesday.
India succumbed to a defeat at home despite taking the lead. Sunil Chhetri (38') opened the scoring for the Blue Tigers from the spot but Afghanistan restored parity in the second half through Rahmat Akbari (70') before Sharif Mukhammad (88') scored a late winner, securing the first win for the Lions of Khorosan in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Igor Stimac’s men started on the front foot creating chances right from kick-off but their missed chances proved costly, handing them their third defeat in the World Cup qualifiers.
A disappointing outing for #BlueTigers! 💔#INDAFG ⚔️ #FIFAWorldCup #AsianQualifiers 🏆 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/DCopzpbvyh
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 26, 2024
The Blue Tigers initiated the match with flair, immediately applying pressure on the Afghanistance defense. Sunil Chhetri's early attempt hit the woodwork, signaling India's intent from the onset. However, the Lions of Khorasan responded swiftly, prompting Gurpreet Singh Sandhu into action early on followed by a series of attacks.
As the game progressed, India regained control, mounting relentless pressure on Afghanistan. Their persistence paid off when they forced Afghanistan into conceding a penalty in the 36th minute. Captain Chhetri, marking his 150th international appearance, calmly converted from the spot, handing India a deserved lead heading into half-time.
Despite India's dominance, the Afghanistan backline remained resolute in the second half. In a bid to bolster their advantage, Stimac opted for a triple substitution in the 67th minute.
However, it was Afghanistan who soon would go on to find the equaliser through Rahmat Akbari. The midfielder's shot took a deflection of Rahul Bheke before rolling into the back of the net.
Late on in the game, the visitors capitalised on an error, as a reckless tackle from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in his own penalty box presented Afghanistan with a golden opportunity. Defender Sharif Mukhammad stepped up and converted from the spot to put Afghanistan ahead.
Despite relentless efforts from the Blue Tigers to find an equaliser, the Lions of Khorasan showcased unwavering resilience, clinching all three points in Guwahati.
With four points in four matches, India currently occupies second place in Group A, while Afghanistan moved up to third, level on points with India.