In a Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers held on Thursday, India and Afghanistan were unable to convert their chances into goals and had to settle for a score of 0-0 draw.
The first half was full of end-to-end action, with both teams having good opportunities to score. However, most of them were half-chances, and both sides’ goalkeepers were not challenged enough.
The first half (45+3) saw a flurry of offensive actions as India and Afghanistan resorted to open play; nevertheless, the attackers were unable to come alive in the final third, leaving both gaffers, Igor Stimac and Ashley Westwood, a little irritated as they shouted instructions from the touchline.
India would have taken the lead in their away leg of the second round of the 2026 World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup preliminary joint qualification match if Manvir had not missed a fantastic opportunity in the 17th minute. India was on the attack from the start and created some nervous moments in the Afghanistan defence.
Then there was a chance for Afghanistan to take control, but Sandhu easily tackled it and Mosawer Ahadi, who had space on the right side of the box, was unable to provide sufficient punch with his left-footed attempt.
India wasted an opportunity in the 58th minute when Akash Mishra recovered the ball on the left wing and sent it to Vikram Pratap Singh, whose finishing fell wide. India had one of the best chances of the match, but Subhasish Bose’s free header from a corner kick missed the target.
