Three key battles to look out for as India face Afghanistan

The Blue Tigers will take on The Lions of Khorasan in their final FIFA World Cup Qualifiers group stage game.

India play their final FIFA World Cup qualifiers group stage match on June 15. Igor Stimac’s side will face an Afghanistan side desperate for a win. The last time these two teams met, the Blue Tigers barely scraped a draw, thanks to an added-time equalizer.

However, Stimac will hope for a much better showing this time. Facing off against a side well behind them in the FIFA Rankings, there will be expectations for a positive result. If Afghanistan lose to Oman on Saturday, a draw will be sufficient for India to lock a third-place finish in their group.

The Blue Tigers will undoubtedly face a stringent task on Tuesday. Afghanistan possess some quality players capable of turning the tie on its head and frustrate India with their stubborn defensive set-up. That being said, let’s look at the three key battles to watch out in the game.

3. Brandon Fernandes Vs Masih Saighani

Brandon Fernandes was arguably the star of India’s win over Bangladesh recently. While he didn’t score or assist any, the FC Goa star could’ve had a hattrick of assists on another day. Fernandes’ brilliant set-piece delivery and defence splitting passes could have made him a menace. Brandon will hope to run the show for the Blue Tigers against Afghanistan – but faces a stern test.

Afghanistan star Masih Saighani is likely to operate in the defensive midfield role and will be tasked to neutralize Brandon’s threat. Saighani has faced the FC Goa star before – in Chennaiyin FC’s 3-4 loss to the Gaurs last season in the Indian Super League (ISL). Back then, Fernandes got the upper-hand by scoring a goal. But the Afghan star knows how the Goa midfielder operates and his style.

Saighani will be looking to use his experience to shut Fernandes out and stop his supply chain in the final third. Brandon will have his work cut out, however, as long as he is able to use his clever off-the-ball movement to trick Saighani, the midfielder should be able to get enough space to create chances.

2. Faysal Shayesteh Vs Glan Martins

Faysal Shayesteh was the man who tormented India in their last FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2019. He scored an impressive goal for Afghanistan and ran the show in their attack. The 30-year-old remains the creative beacon for the Lions of Khorasan and an unpredictable threat in the final third.

Unless he is kept under close check and boxed out, Shayesteh can run riot with his clever link-up play. Glan Martins is probably going to take up the job of marking the attacking midfielder. Martins has performed admirably in his first two appearances for India, putting in a solid shift against Bangladesh in the previous game. The FC Goa star must make good use of his energy & tackling ability to bully the Afghan star.

If he’s able to close down on Shayesteh in the right moments and track his movement, Martins can stop an important supply chain in Afghanistan’s attack. Shayesteh will be aiming to be at his best and get into the right positions to cause chaos. As Martins looks to cap off his brilliant season on a high note, if he is able to neutralize Shayesteh’s supply properly, he can further consolidate his regular place in the starting XI.

1. Sunil Chhetri Vs Zohib Amiri

The one battle to watch in this game could be between the captains of both teams. Sunil Chhetri shined in a central role against Bangladesh and should continue that in the upcoming match as well. If so, he’ll come up against hardened centre-back Zohib Amiri – who knows how to face him all too well. Amiri has been playing in India for many years and played against Chhetri during his days at then I-League giants Dempo in 2014.

Amiri has a good understanding of dealing with Indian stars – having been involved in Indian football for so long. But as he proved against Bangladesh – Chhetri is difficult to hold back. The Indian captain will be tasked to be the provider of goals again – be it himself or by assisting someone else. Chhetri will definitely linger around the penalty area often to get the goals. Amiri will be intent on stopping him on his tracks and marking him to contend his threat.

The Afghan star will aim to come up with clutch challenges and win the key duels against Chhetri to keep him quiet. The Bengeluru FC star has a daunting challenge ahead – but as proven against Bangladesh – he is an extremely resilient star. Chhetri will aim to get into all the prominent positions in the final third to cause chaos and make good use of his finishing to continue adding to his impressive tally of international goals.

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