FIFA World Cup Qualifier: India, Afghanistan play out goalless draw

India and Afghanistan settled for a 0-0 draw after failing to convert opportunities into goals in a Group A fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Abha, Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

Manvir Singh got very close to scoring on two occasions in the first half with the first 45 minutes producing end-to-end stuff. Hosts Afghanistan had their share of chances as well. Although, most of them were half chances and goalkeepers of both teams were not tested enough.

India and Afghanistan managers Igor Stimac and Ashley Westwood witnessed the players rue chances despite open football in the first half. Chance after chance would come to nothing in the final third.

More from Sports

Why Novak Djokovic’s tennis calendar is under scrutiny as experts fear he could be left behind Federer ‘Gukesh is an incredibly fighting player. I think it’s adorable’: Caruana’s rare praise for world champion amid horror form

India caused some anxious moments in the Afghanistan defence at the start and had Manvir not spurned a great chance in the 17th minute, the visitors would have taken an early lead.

Then there was scope for Afghanistan to go ahead, but Mosawer Ahadi, who found room on the right side of the box, could not get enough power in his left-footed effort as Sandhu dealt with it without much trouble.

India had a chance in the 58th minute after Akash Mishra won the ball on the left wing and crossed it to Vikram Pratap Singh whose finishing left a lot to be desired.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 results: Cody Rhodes beats John Cena in wild title match

Moments later, it was Afghanistan’s turn to miss a golden opportunity as Rahul Bheke foiled Rahmat Akbari and Omid Popalzay’s plan with a timely interception.

One of the game’s best chances came India’s way but Subhasish Bose’s free header off a corner kick missed the target.