India vs Afghanistan: A Must-Win Game for India in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

India’s fate in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers hinges on their upcoming match against Afghanistan at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Currently sitting second in Group A with four points from three games, the Blue Tigers must secure a victory to strengthen their position and stay ahead of Kuwait in the race for the next round.

Recent form has not been favorable for the Blue Tigers, as they have suffered four defeats in their last five matches, with the only win coming against Kuwait in a 1-0 triumph. They have struggled to find the back of the net, conceding nine goals in their winless run. On the other hand, Afghanistan has also faced difficulties, failing to secure a victory since their early success against Mongolia.

The previous meeting between India and Afghanistan resulted in a goalless draw, with India dominating possession but unable to convert chances. The defensive resilience of Afghanistan, coached by Ashley Westwood, frustrated the Blue Tigers, leading to criticism for their lackluster performance.

In head-to-head encounters, India holds the upper hand against Afghanistan, winning eight out of twelve matches. With Sunil Chhetri set to make his landmark 150th appearance, the Indian captain will be keen to add to his impressive tally of 93 goals for his country.

India will be without midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad due to a hamstring strain, but otherwise, Igor Stimac is expected to have a fully fit squad at his disposal. The probable lineups suggest a strong formation for India, with Brandon Fernandes likely to step up in Sahal’s absence.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m. IST in Guwahati, with live coverage on Sports 18 channel in India and free streaming on JioCinema. Predictions favor India to secure a 2-0 victory, with Sunil Chhetri potentially ending his goal drought on his milestone appearance.

As the Blue Tigers aim to revive their campaign and secure a crucial win, all eyes will be on their performance against Afghanistan in this high-stakes clash.