India Held to Goalless Draw by Afghanistan in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Riyadh: The Men in Blue were unable to capitalize on numerous opportunities and settled for a goalless draw against Afghanistan in their Group A match of the FIFA World Cup AFC qualifiers at the Damac Club Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Ranked 117th in FIFA Rankings, India moved up to the second spot in Group A, securing four points from three matches. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, ranked 158th globally, sits at the bottom of the group with just one point.

The match saw a tight midfield battle with Afghanistan relying on pace and physicality while India focused on a passing game. Debutant Vikram Partap Singh impressed, causing confusion in the Afghan defence by switching positions with Manvir Singh.

Despite India’s control, Afghanistan created chances, with goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu denying Mosawer Ahadi’s curler. However, India failed to convert opportunities, with Manvir and Vikram missing chances in the first and second halves.

Vikram’s night ended with a mistimed tackle, earning him a booking, and head coach Igor Stimac substituted him with Brandon Fernandes. Despite late efforts, including crosses from Liston Colaco and a header from Subhasish Bose, India couldn’t break the deadlock.

The Indian men’s football team will face Afghanistan again in their next qualifier match on March 26.