Afghanistan stunned India 2-1
The Blues were stunned by the inexperienced Afghan side
Afghanistan stunned India 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati,
as Sharif Mukhammad’s late penalty became the difference between the two teams.
India’s legend, Sunil Chhetri scored his record 94th international goal in his 150th match for the Blues but that couldn’t be enough as Rahmat Akbari found the back of the net in the 70th minute to equalise the game which eventually led to a victory by Mukhammad’s late penalty.
After the win, Afghanistan improved its ranking by four places in the FIFA rankings, moving to 151st place. While India has fallen two places to 122nd position.
Chhetri once again stood as India’s lone warrior as the 39-year-old led his side’s attack on his own. The right-footed forward was captaining the team. And as soon as he was substituted everything went wrong for the home side.
Chetti netted a 37th minute after Afghanistan’s Haroon Amiri committed a handball inside the penalty box. Amiri intercepted India’s cross with his hand after which the penalty was awarded to the home side.Â
The 39-year-old
The 39-year-old made no mistake in putting the ball back of the net despite Azizi diving in the right direction. The goal put the much-needed energy to the crowd as the home side was once again in the driving seat.
However, as soon as Chhetri was replaced in the second half, it looked like that. That India has lost the leader who held the team together. Because he conceded both goals within the last 30 minutes. HD Live Sports
Despite taking the lead, India could not control the match which dealt a huge blow to their World Cup dreams. Indian head coach Igor Stemic’s selection of Lalangmavia Ralte, Brendan Fernandes and Jackson Singh did not pay off. Because the Blues failed to hold onto the ball for the majority of the match.