India will face Afghanistan today in a football World Cup qualifier. The fight is in Abah, Saudi Arabia. The match is tomorrow at 12.30 am Indian time. India are in Group A along with Qatar, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Qatar currently leads the group with 6 points. Although India and Kuwait have three points each, Kuwait is second on goal difference.
India were defeated by Asian champions Qatar 3-0 in Bhubaneswar and defeated Kuwait by a one-sided goal at home. Since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, the team’s home matches have been played outside the country. Currently, Afghanistan’s home games are played in Saudi Arabia.
The Indian football team will again face Afghanistan in the second leg match to be held in Guwahati on 26th of this month. The next matches against Qatar and Kuwait are in June. Sunil Chhetri-led Blue Tigers need a win today if they want to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive.
India currently have three points from two matches with one win and one loss. Defensive midfielder Jackson Singh and star defender Anwar Ali, who were injured, are back on the field and will strengthen the Indian team coached by Igor Stimach.
Mohun Bagan’s attacking midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad is the only Malayali in the Indian team. Changte, Manveer Singh and Vikram Pratap Singh will be there to support veteran Sunil Chettri in the forward line. India is the team ahead of Afghanistan in the FIFA rankings. India is at 117th position and Afghanistan is at 158th position in the world ranking. Live telecast of the match will be on DD Sports.
