In the game's 37th minute, Chhetri once again demonstrated why he is the Indian team's best and sole offensive option.
Digital Desk: Afghanistan defeated India 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati thanks to a late penalty kick by Sharif Mukhammad. On his 150th appearance for the Indian men's football team, Sunil Chhetri scored his 94th international goal. However, Rahmat Akbari equalized for Afghanistan in the 70th minute, and Mukhammad's late penalty ended the Indian captain's historic game.
In the game's 37th minute, Chhetri once again demonstrated why he is the Indian team's best and sole offensive option. The goal was scored from a penalty kick that was given following a handball infraction by Haroon Amiri of Afghanistan. Amiri's hand was intercepted by Manvir after he received the ball on the right side and crossed to Chhetri, setting up a penalty. Fans at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium were electrified as Sunil Chhetri calmly executed the penalty, putting the ball past Azizi despite his dive to the right.
Despite the overall disappointment, Chhetri's strike against Afghanistan brought him extremely close to Argentine ace Lionel Messi's record for most goals scored internationally. India's much-needed momentum was boosted by his goal in this pivotal match, but their lackluster midfield performance cost them the game in the closing moments.
THE DISMAL MIDFIELD SETUP IN INDIA
India's hopes of winning the World Cup are once again severely damaged by their failure to stay in the game even after taking a lead. Lalengmawia Ralte, Brandon Fernandes, and Jeakson Singh were the players that India manager Igor Stimac started in the midfield for the game, and this proved to be the foundation of their defeats.
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