India vs Afghanistan: Three key battles to determine FIFA World Cup Qualifiers clash

India will look for three points in their home fixture against The Lions of Khorasan.

Indian men’s football team is under a lot of pressure after putting in a mild performance against lower-ranked Afghanistan in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (second round) fixture in Abha, Saudi Arabia on 22 March 2024. The Group A contest finished without a goal and both teams walked away with a point each, which does not help either one of them in their quest to finish in one of the top two places that ensure qualification into the third and final round of the qualifiers.

The reverse leg between India and Afghanistan is set to take place on 26 March 2024 in Guwahati, Assam. Playing in their backyard should motivate Igor Stimac’s men to deliver a better performance and secure three points. However, the Lions of Khorasan are no pushovers. Ashley Westwood’s men showed that they can hurt India if given an opportunity.

The upcoming clash hangs in the balance and could go either way. The outcome of the following three key battles will play a major role in the eventual result.

Anwar Ali vs Taufee Skandari

In the nil-nil draw on 22 March, Anwar Ali kept a tight lock on Afghanistan attackers and Igor Stimac rightly praised his defenders for not allowing the opposition to mount pressure due to individual errors. The Mohun Bagan player was also comfortable on the ball and played some impressive passes from the deep.

Taufee Skandari had a few moments where he could have done better in the final third and scored for Afghanistan in the goalless draw. The duel between Ali and Skandari will be crucial and both sets of coaching departments will hope that their player can come out on top.

Vikram Partap Singh vs Zelfy Nazary

Vikram Partap Singh was full of running and did his best to produce a scoring chance for himself or his teammates in the goalless draw. Following his substitution, Igor Stimac received him warmly after a valiant effort in what was a first-ever senior team start. The Mumbai City FC player deserves to retain his spot in the starting lineup keeping in mind his form before entering the international break.

Zelfy Nazary, in the left-back role, was solid and sharp for Afghanistan. He went toe to toe with Indian wingers and did well to enable his side to keep a clean sheet. When the two teams meet again on Tuesday, the duel battle between Singh and Nazary will be one to watch out for. 

Manvir Singh vs Mahboob Hanifi

Igor Stimac started Manvir Singh in the No.9 role, hoping that the Mohun Bagan forward could make an impact owing to his physicality and stature. This tactic gave the Indian team a new look going forward with Sunil Chhetri playing as a No.10. Unfortunately for Singh, he did not get ideal service to make a lasting impact on the game.

Mahboob Hanifi kept a close watch on Indian attackers and monitored their movements well. The experienced defender will aim to limit Manvir Singh’s influence once again when the sides clash in Guwahati, Assam for the reverse fixture in Group A.

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