India come out on top against Afghanistan in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

In lieu of Anirudh Thapa, Indian coach Igor Stimac brought in offensive midfielder Ashique Kuruniyan and defender Jeakson Singh in place of Brandon Fernandes. Both India and Afghanistan adjusted to the game quickly, although India showed more daring in the first 15 minutes, winning five corners In the second half, Ashique Kuruniyan and Akash Mishra had their tails up as India exploited gaps in the Afghan defense. Sunil Chhetri and Manveer Singh, though, could not put Afghan goalkeeper Faisal Hamidi to the test.

Following 25 minutes of play, Afghanistan began to gain control of the ball. The Indian backline, captained by Sandesh Jhnigan, proved up to the challenge. Both India and Afghanistan enjoyed about equal ball possession at the end of the first half. On the other hand, India had four shots on goal to Afghanistan's none and nine corners to Afghanistan's three.

While India breathed a sigh of relief with the goal, Sandesh Jhingan's sloppy clearing in the 88th minute allowed Afghanistan a critical corner. Unmarked Afghanistan midfielder Zubayr Amiri scored the equalizer with a header. India, eager for a victory, kept pressing for the winner with barely two minutes of normal time remaining. In the first minute of added time, Sahal Abdul Samad took advantage of Ashique Kuruniyan's assist and sent it past the Afghan goalie to give India the victory.