World Cup Qualifiers, IND vs AFG: Blue Tigers Go Down 1-2 To Second String Afghans In Big Jolt To Third Round Hopes

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India lost 1-2 to Afghanistan in the return leg pushing their dreams of qualifying for the World Cup qualifiers third round further and further away. Sunil Chhetri gets on the scoresheet on his 150th game, but it all becomes a sad affair.

India started this match again with all the intentions of getting an early goal. They even came close within the first five minutes of the game when a shot from skipper Sunil Chhetri from the left hit the barpost. The rebound came to Manvir Singh who should've scored, but missed.

As time went on, Afghawere creating more chances than the Blue Tigers. India looked to be losing the ball more times than necessary. However, skipper Sunil Chhetri soon put all anxiety to rest.

He delivered on his 150th match, just as he has done in all his milestone games for India. India received a penalty when Haroon Amiri, Afghanistan captain’s hand touched a cross from Manvir Singh inside the box. Chhetri stepped up to take the shot and put it comfortably to the bottom left corner of the net.

Even though that one-goal lead was still dangerous and they needed more goals, India started playing a more defensive game in the second half. Afghanistan started attacking more and better and India's fear came true in 70th minute of the game when Afghanistan levelled.

Even with four Indian defenders inside the box, Afghanistan’s Rahmat Akbari took a shot which took a deflection. The ball went through Rahul Bheke’s legs and rolled into the back of the net as no one seemed to be able to stop it.

It fell apart for India with only two minutes left on the clock when Afghanistan received a penalty as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu clashed with Fareed Shadat trying to save a half-dangerous ball. Sharif Mukhammad scored from the spot and made the scoreline 1-2 in Afghanistan’s favour.