Kolkata: Three goals within five minutes changed India’s fortune in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier 2023 campaign. A free-kick from captain Sunil Chhetri in the 86th minute breaks the deadlock. Zubayr Amiri equalizes in the 88th-minute form an inswinging corner. The winner was scored by Sahal in the 90th minute.
India coach Igor Stimac made some changes in the starting line-up. Ashique Kuruniyan and Jeakson Singh got into the playing XI, replacing Brandon Fernandes and Anirudh Thapa. The void of Fernandes was badly felt during the match.
Despite a good start, India hardly made any on-shot targets. India faced some harsh tackles in the first half of the match. Afghanistan captain Farshad Noor faced a yellow card as he came hard on Indian forward Ashique.
Afghanistan played a physical match, conceiving seven fouls. Afghanistan coach Anoush Dastgir had his homework done, with Sunil Chhetri being marked by two-three players every time.
Though Manvir seemed to have a trembling start, the 20-year-old managed to provide some spectacular chance. Sandesh Jhinghan stood tall like a wall with some majestic clearance and even an all-out attack.
Roshan Singh became the savoir in the 73rd minute when a on shot target by Azadzoy was deflected by Gurpreet Singh Sadhu.
