[Exclusive] Sahal Abdul Samad to miss crucial Afghanistan clash in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Sahal Abdul Samad is a vital cog in Igor Stimac’s setup.

As the Indian Football Team intensifies its preparations for the upcoming Round 2 match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Afghanistan in Saudi Arabia, they’ve encountered a significant hurdle. Midfield dynamo Sahal Abdul Samad has been sidelined for the crucial fixture scheduled for 22 March 2024, following a hamstring injury suffered in training yesterday. While the full extent of his injury remains unclear, head coach Igor Stimac has opted not to risk Samad’s participation in the match.

Samad, a key figure from Mohun Bagan, had previously missed the bulk of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 due to fitness concerns. His absence marks a substantial loss for Stimac’s squad, given his recent impactful performances for the national team.

India’s journey in the qualifiers has been a roller-coaster, featuring a defeat to Qatar and a significant win over Kuwait. Adding an interesting sub-plot to the upcoming match, the Afghanistan team will feature a familiar face to Indian football fans: Ashley Westwood. The former Indian club coach, now at the helm of the Afghan national team, brings an added layer of intrigue to this encounter.

The skills that Sahal possesses make him an automatic choice in the central midfielder role. His attacking qualities include with ball runs, sharp dribbles and the ability to give smooth through passes to open the opposition’s defense. He has been a key factor in the ISL as he created and scored goals for Mohun Bagan and was one of the leading assist-providers, even a few days ago.

Igor Stimac now has a tough job on hand to decide who he will field in this clash. Sahal is a genuine goalscorer and also has a knack of creating opportunities for his teammates. His absence from the lineup will surely make the mentor worry, but on the other hand, present an opportunity to players like Brandon Fernandes to make a mark in this clash.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.