India's FIFA World Cup Hopes Dented by 1-2 Loss to Afghanistan

Sunil Chhetri's Goal Proves Insufficient

India's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a blow on Tuesday as they fell to a 1-2 defeat against Afghanistan in Guwahati.

Sunil Chhetri gave the hosts the lead in the 8th minute, but Afghanistan stormed back with two goals in the second half to claim the victory. Shah Shaheen equalized for the visitors in the 64th minute, and Farshad Noor put them ahead 10 minutes later.

Despite India's best efforts, they could not find a way back into the game, and Afghanistan held on to secure three crucial points. The result leaves India bottom of Group E with three points from four matches.

Match Highlights

India started the match brightly and took the lead through Chhetri, who headed home from close range after being set up by Brandon Fernandes.

Afghanistan grew into the game as the first half progressed, but India held firm until the break. The visitors came out with renewed vigor in the second half and eventually got their equalizer through Shaheen, who pounced on a loose ball in the box.

India tried to respond, but they were stunned by Noor's goal, which came after a swift counter-attack. The hosts threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Afghanistan defended resolutely to claim the win.

Road Ahead

India's chances of qualifying for the World Cup now look slim, as they have just three points from their four matches. They will need to win their remaining two games and hope that other results go their way.

Their next match is an away fixture against Qatar on March 29, 2024. They will then host Oman on June 7, 2024, in their final game of the group stage.