FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: India vs Afghanistan: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

India will consider this as a must-win game to keep their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 3 hopes alive.

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After a disappointing 0-0 draw in Saudi Arabia, the Indian football team will aim to get all three points against Afghanistan in Guwahati come March 26. India got very less chances to go ahead, but failed to make the most out of it.

Afghanistan on the other hand, did very well to deny India from scoring a goal and keeping their first clean-sheet of the campaign. It is expected to be a jam-packed affair as the Blue Tigers return to Guwahati after a five-year gap.

Kick Off

Tuesday, March 26, 19:30 IST

Tuesday, March 26, 18:30 GMT+4:30

Form

India (in all competitions) D-L-L-L-L

Afghanistan (in all competitions) D-L-L-W-W

Players to watch

Sunil Chhetri (India)

All eyes will be on India’s captain, leader and legend Sunil Chhetri, as he will take to the field for the 150th time for India, making him the first Indian to do so. Chhetri will be poised to put up a good performance in Guwahati as he knows and understands the need of points for the team right now. Fans can expect him to score his first goal for the national team in 2024 and get them past Afghanistan come Tuesday.

Zohib Islam Amiri (Afghanistan)

The defender was rock solid at the back for his team in the first game against India. The skipper led his side from the back and made sure they did not allow the Blue Tigers to dictate terms against them. He is the most capped and experienced player in the history of the Afghanistan national football team. He will shoulder the responsibility to neutralize the danger from India in the upcoming game.

Match facts

• Sunil Chhetri will be making his 150th appearance for India in the upcoming match
• Both sides are yet to score a goal in 2024
• India will play in Guwahati for the first time since 2019

Injury and Team News

India will miss the services of Sahal Abdul Samad who is out due to an injury while Afghanistan are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 12

India Wins – 7

Afghanistan Wins – 1

Draws – 4

Predicted Line-up

India (4-2-3-1)

Gurpeet Singh Sandhu (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra, Apuia, Jeakson Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh

Afghanistan (4-4-2)

Ovays Azizi (GK), Zohib Islam Amiri, Sharif Mukhammad, Mahboob Hanifi, Habibulla Askar, Omid Popalzay, Mustafa Azadzoy, Jabar Sharza, Rahmat Akbari, Balal Arezou, Omid Musawi

Prediction for India vs Afghanistan

India definitely have the upper hand coming into this game because of the availability of key players, but Afghanistan will only try to make things difficult for them. Both sides have an equal chance to win this fixture considering the 0-0 draw last week.

Prediction: India 2-1 Afghanistan

Telecast for India vs Afghanistan

India – Sports18 Network, JioCinema

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