Key Takeaways:
Afghanistan clinches their first victory in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, defeating India.
Sunil Chhetri marks his 150th cap with a goal, but it's not enough as India's winless streak extends.
India faces a tough challenge ahead against Kuwait and Qatar to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Sunil Chhetri's penalty on his landmark game goes in vain as Rahmat Akbari's deflected strike and Sharif Mukhammad's spot-kick earned Afghanistan their first win in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The victory takes them to the third spot and level on points with the Blue Tigers who remain unchanged on second.
India came to the match hosted in Guwahati after the disappointing goalless draw against the Lions of Khorasan in the away match at Saudi Arabia three days back. Hoping to get back to winning ways following the dismal show in the Asian Cup as well, Igor Stimac's side started on a bright note with Chhetri hitting the post and Manvir Singh making a howling miss from rebound.
The home side got the breakthrough in the 38th minute when Chhetri converted coolly from the spot but that was the only shot on target managed in the entire match by then. Failing to add to their lead gave confidence to the visitors who swung the game to their favor. Akbari's 70th minute effort went through Rahul Bheke to rest in the net before Gurpreet Singh fouled substitute Farid Sadat inside the box leading to the winning penalty taken by former I-League player Sharif.
Distraught by the defeat, India will have to count their chances against Kuwait to keep their hope of third round qualification alive. They will also face Qatar in the final qualifying match of the second round. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, who have also made themselves available in the race, will take on the Asian champions and Kuwait in June.
Here are the stats and records from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match between India and Afghanistan:
Milestone
Sunil Chhetri picked up his 150th cap for India and also scored a goal as he has done in his other milestone appearances, including his debut.
Second
This was just the second win Afghanistan has ever recorded over India. The only time they secured a win over the Blue Tigers was the final match in the 2023 SAFF Championship.
Drought
India have failed to win in their last six matches now with five of them resulting in defeats. Their last victory came in the away match against Kuwait in November last year with Manvir Singh scoring the only goal of the game.
Leaky
Igor Stimac's side has also conceded 11 goals in that period. Sunil Chhetri's penalty did put an end to the longest scoreless run since 2000. However, India has yet to score a goal from open play since that win against Kuwait.
Achilles heel
India have failed to beat Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. In the four matches played so far, the Blue Tigers have managed only three draws before this win.
