Kolkata: Despite Sunil Chhetri scoring an electrifying free-kick in the 86th minute to break the deadlock and give India the much-needed lead, Afghanistan equalized shortly after through Zubayr Amiri, causing dissatisfaction among Sunil Chhetri and co. However, Sahal Samad’s screamer off a fantastic low ball from Ashique Kuruniyan stunned everyone, transforming the atmosphere in an instant for the players, staff, and supporters. Sunil Chhetri scored his 83rd goal at the same moment
Igor Stimac has always been a defensive stalwart. However, with the addition of players like Anwar Ali and Roshan Singh to the squad, as well as Sandesh Jhingan, the defense has become much more difficult to crack. Jhingan’s experience and ability to read the game robbed Afghanistan of any easy scoring opportunities, while Anwar Ali maintained his composure as he cleared the balls away in some of the most important locations. Al, a ball-playing center-back, came dangerously near to scoring on a dead ball situation, but his header sailed just wide. Roshan Singh, on the other hand, took several significant strides forward, but none of them were converted.
Although the Indian attack may be described as stagnant, the Blue Tigers have been unable to increase their goal differential due to a lack of finishing and low conversion rates from the forwards. Players like Akash Mishra and Ashique Kuruniyan, who bring agility while throwing attacks at opponents from the left flank, just don’t have the finishing touch to get their names on the pitch. Despite having a large number of shots, India was only able to score twice. Liston Colaco, who was positioned behind Sunil Chettri in an unorthodox offensive midfielder position, did not get enough time to make his typical dashes and, as a result, was unable to make any particularly impacting movements.
The evening’s highlight was the winning goal scored by Kerala’s Ashique Kuruniyan and Sahal Abdul Samad. Sahal made the most immediate impact in only seven minutes, whereas Ashique had ninety minutes to himself. Ashique had a fantastic evening, fully justifying the coach’s decision to put him on the wing.
The low-lying cross Ashique blasted for Sahal, which the latter slid past with ease, was his standout moment.
Despite having only seven minutes against Afghanistan, Sahal Abdul Samad delivered when it mattered most. The elegance and calm that Sahal had while taking the shot speaks volumes about his talent and character.
