Sahal Abdul Samad ruled out for two weeks; to miss home clash against Afghanistan

The Indian football team played out a goalless draw against Afghanistan on Friday.

In their latest outing, the Indian national football team managed a goalless draw against Afghanistan at Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, marking their third match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2. This draw positions India second in Group A, with four points from three games, trailing behind group leaders Qatar, who secured a 3-0 victory over Kuwait.

The Blue Tigers are poised for a rematch against Afghanistan on March 26, 2024, in Guwahati. However, they face a considerable challenge as playmaker Sahal Abdul Samad is confirmed to miss the upcoming home fixture, following his absence in the previous match in Abha. The team noticeably struggled without the Mohun Bagan midfielder, which was evident in the disconnect between the midfield and forward line.

Sources close to the team revealed, “Sahal has a mild strain and will require two weeks of rest before returning to action.” This setback comes after Samad’s limited participation in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 due to fitness issues, underscoring his crucial role in Igor Stimac’s squad.

India’s performance in the qualifiers has been a mix of highs and lows, with a loss to Qatar, a win against Kuwait and a recent stalemate with Afghanistan. Sahal’s dynamic attacking skills, characterized by penetrating runs, adept dribbling and precise through passes, have made him indispensable as an attacking midfielder. His contributions to Mohun Bagan in the ISL, including goals and assists, highlight his importance to the team.

With Sahal sidelined, coach Stimac faces the daunting task of adjusting his lineup. Sahal’s absence was palpably felt in the away match against Afghanistan, where Sunil Chhetri struggled to fill his role and Brandon Fernandes, recovering from an injury, could not play at full capacity. Fans are hopeful for Fernandes’ complete recovery for the Guwahati match, following his impactful bench appearance that prompted a tactical shift, moving Chhetri to a more central forward position.

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