India qualify for playoff despite Afghanistan draw

After the high of the win against Tajikistan and a resolute defensive show against top-ranked Iran, Indian football returned to familiar territory with a goalless draw against Afghanistan at the Hisor Central Stadium, Tajikistan, on Thursday.
In the end, the draw proved to be enough as India finished second in group B of the CAFA Nations Cup to qualify for the third-place game, either against World Cuppers Uzbekistan or Oman, still in contention for a place at next year’s FIFA World Cup.
India and Tajikistan were tied on four points each after the hosts scripted a dramatic 2-2 draw against Iran with two second-half goals. However, Khalid Jamil’s side finished ahead on a better head-to-head record, having won the opener 2-1.
Against Afghanistan, India were far from impressive and had little to show for their efforts.
On his part, Jamil selected a positive side, handing Jithin MS his first start for the national team. Mahesh Singh was tasked with providing the creative spark upfront, while Valpuia was slotted on the right of defence to make space for captain Rahul Bheke – replacing Sandesh Jhingan – in central defence.
Against a lower-ranked Afghanistan that have lost eight games in a row and remained winless in nine – most recent win ironically was against India last year – Jamil's side was expected to start on the front foot, but the opponents enjoyed the upper hand, both with ball possession and chances created. Omid Musawi was a constant threat on the left as he danced his way past markers, without really testing goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
The first big test for Gurpreet came only in the 24th minute when Ali Reza Panahi was afforded some space outside the box. His attempt bounced awkwardly in front of the keeper but Sandhu did well to push the ball away for a corner kick.
India’s attack lacked bite. Irfan Yadwad had an off day, highlighted by the slip when trying to shoot with his weaker left foot from inside the box. Ashique Kuruniyan didn’t have the best of games, while Mahesh caught the eye with a couple of flicks, though nothing that caused alarm at the opposite end.
Substitutes Manvir Singh (Jr) and Vikram Partap Singh didn’t help much either.
Starting his first game for the national team, it was Jithin who came closest to breaking the deadlock. Two of his efforts went agonisingly over the woodwork, including a half volley, while Nikhil Prabhu’s nicely-threaded through ball was just out of reach.
It were Afghanistan who had arguably the best chance of the game in the 71st minute, when Hossein Zamani cut one back from the right to Yama Sherzad, whose shot was brilliantly tipped on to the crossbar by Sandhu.