India will need just a draw when they meet Afghanistan in Doha on Tuesday to secure a place in the third round of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
In the ongoing joint 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers, India had defeated Bangladesh 2-0 in their last match while the Afghans went down 1-2 against Oman.
India will once again look up to Sunil Chhetri for inspiration to thwart a gritty Afghanistan. It was Chhetri who netted a brace against Bangladesh to end India’s winless run in international football.
At 36, Chhetri is a veteran in top-flight and is just one goal off entering the all-time top-10 list of goal-scorers.
If the Blue Tigers can avoid defeat in the upcoming match, they will finish third in their group.
India will enter the game as clear favourites despite Afghanistan’s ability to fight it out. Igor Stimac’s men will be high on confidence after thoroughly dominating Bangladesh, against whom they enjoyed nearly 75 per cent possession.
Stimac, however, dismissed apprehensions that India may play out for a draw. “I need to say that I don’t know any coach or any team who would come out playing for a draw,” Stimac stated at the pre-match media conference.
• Match starts: 7.30pm IST