FIFA qualifiers: India-Afghanistan match ends in a draw

India scored a 1–1 draw on Thursday in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Afghanistan by scoring in the second half of the injury time. This result means that India, ranked 106th in the world rankings, still needs their first win in qualifying. While the Indian team was progressing towards its second defeat, substitute Seiminlen Doungel (90 + 3) scored. Afghanistan had put India in trouble by taking the lead with the help of Zelfagar Nazary (45 + 1). India still remains fourth in Group E. The men in blue have three points from four matches, while Afghanistan is third with four points.

Played in extremely cold weather at the Central Republican Stadium. In the evening the temperature had gone up to nine degrees. India scored a goal in the first half’s injury time, then Nazary, shot past the Indian defenders to give Afghanistan the early lead. Afghanistan playing its home match showed confidence from the good performance of previous matches.

In the first half, the Afghanistan team played well and kept the Indian defense under pressure, including Mandar Rao Desai, Adil Khan, Rahul Bheke and Pritam Kotal. Afghanistan striker Ahmad Omran and midfielder Faysal Shayesteh kept them busy. India also made a couple of attempts, but it did not create any clear opportunity.

After intermission, India replaced Farukh Chaudhary in place of Mandar Rao. Team India were trying desperately hard to score a goal. India had a chance in the 58th minute, but the header of captain Sunil Chhetri to the cross of Pritam Kotal was saved by Aziji. Igor Stimac’s decision to replace Dongel in place of Kotal was proved to be decisive as he scored the equalizer in the finals moments of the match.