Player Ratings: Chinglesana shines as India draw Vs Afghanistan

The result means the Blue Tigers finished third in Group E of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

India earned a point Vs Afghanistan and finished third on the Group E table to make it to the third round of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 . The Blue Tigers put out a disappointing display, failing to replicate their performance against Bangladesh. Ashique Kuruniyan’s cross in the 75th minute was bundled into his own net by Ovays Azizi. Afghanistan equalized with a smooth goal in the 82nd minute, courtesy a curled finish from inside the box by Hossein Zamani.

Let’s take a look at the Indian player ratings from the game –

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 7.0

Two clean collections, one in the 42nd and another in the 58th minute, ensured India were heading for another clean-sheet Vs Afghanistan, but a moment of magic from Zamani broke India’s and Sandhu’s resilience. Another decent outing from the No. 1.

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Rahul Bheke – 6.0

Bheke didn’t look very comfortable on the ball and his passing was underwhelming. The right-back needs to work on his forward runs and crossing. His shot late in the second half might have raised some hopes, but it didn’t have a definitive affect on the opposition goalkeeper.

Sandesh Jhingan - 6.5

Another underwhelming display from who is one of Igor Stimac's first-choice starters. His passing was below-par, as was is his decision to attempt long-balls one after the other despite repeated failure. To be fair, he was fine in defence but was not able to rise up to the occasion in situations that mattered.

Chinglensana Singh Konsham – 8.0

Another evening, another smooth outing for Sana, as he displayed composure and smart positioning at the heart of India’s defence. He made a good run in the 21st minute and in the 49th, stole the ball from an opposition attacker with smart positioning. Calmness personified.

Subhashish Bose – 6.5

Shaky on the ball, Bose didn’t use the left wing enough. He did not have any major contributions in attack, but made sure he was present whenever required for defensive duties. His passing, however, was a shadow of his abilities.

Glan Martins – 7.5

One of the first names on the team-sheet since his debut, Glan has grown into the role of a defensive midfielder for India in just three games. He won balls at the heart of the midfield and continued to recycle balls for his attackers. Engine of the central midfield.

Suresh Singh Wangjam – 7.0

Suresh put in another hard-working display alongside Martins. The India midfielder did his job well Vs Afghanistan, and ran his heart out in another disciplined display. A coach’s delight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx4Xl1BumE4

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Ashique Kuruniyan – 7.5

Runs along the left wing have been a characteristic of his game for some time now, but Ashique needs to work on his delivery. His cross was erroneously bundled into his own net by the Afghan goalkeeper. India’s No. 22 will have to play a better role for the national team in times to come to leave a lasting impression.

Brandon Fernandes – 6.5

It was an uncharacteristic display from India’s No. 10. He didn't find his rhythm and was subsequently replaced by Lalengmawia. His set-piece delivery was spot on.

Manvir Singh – 7.0

A forgettable game for the ATK Mohun Bagan striker. Manvir started on the right side of the attack for India in a 4-2-3-1 shape, but failed to leave any lasting impression Vs Afghanistan. Later on, he scuffed a header deep into the game. He made two telling runs and would’ve been at the end of a through ball with a bit more luck.  

Sunil Chhetri – 7.0

Worked hard, but failed to find sync with his fellow attackers. He had a shot on target in the 10th minute, forcing a corner for India. Tried to do his bit, but was substituted in the second half.

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Substitutes

Lalengmawia – 7.0

Came on for Brandon Fernandes to add steel to the midfield. The NorthEast United man was calm and effective at the heart of India’s midfield. Found his teammates regularly with his uncanny, smooth passing.

Liston Colaco – 6.5

Tried to influence proceedings in the second half of the game. The India forward looked confident while carrying the ball in the Afghanistan half.

Bipin Singh – N/A

Failed to exert any real influence on the game during the short period he played.

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