India Stumbles on Home Soil: Defeated by Afghanistan in World Cup Qualifier

Sayak Banerjee / 26-03-2024

Sunil Chhetri, not one to let his 150th international match slip into obscurity, could only bow his head in dismay as the match concluded. With hands on his head and a dejected look, Captain Chhetri seemed unable to fathom this loss. Despite his penalty goal propelling the team ahead early in the second half, within 18 minutes Afghanistan turned the tide with two quick goals, relegating India to another day of disappointment. The old ailment of conceding multiple goals haunted them even in this match that demanded a win by at least three goals. Their home ground, supposed to be a fortress, saw them lose 1-2 against the 158th ranked team in the world, managed by Igor Stimac.

Afghanistan had been waiting for India to make mistakes, and Sunil Chhetri and company duly obliged. A critical error led to a penalty early in the match, converted by Chhetri himself (1-0), marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career. However, despite India’s attempts to regain control in the second half, a well-timed counterattack by Afghanistan saw Rahmat Akbari equalize with a low shot past Rahul Bheke (1-1). Shortly after, Tawfiq Bakhshi secured victory for Afghanistan with a goal in the 76th minute (1-2), leaving India little time to mount a comeback despite desperate efforts by Mahesh, Chhangte, and Manvir Singh in the closing minutes.