Xtra Time Web Desk: In the match of Sunil Chhetri’s milestone India suffered a disappointing defeat. In Guwahati, Afghanistan beat Blue Tigers by 2-1. India’s qualification for the World Cup 2026 was jeopardized by this defeat.
In the match, the country had to witness defeat. Initially, India had high hopes after defeating Saudi Arabia. But in the second round, the boys of Igor Stimac faced defeat. After losing the match, pressure mounted on India. To reach the third round, they had to win this match today. But it was in this match that India suffered a shameful defeat.
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Sunil scored a goal from a penalty in 37 minutes, leading India ahead. However, Sunil was substituted in the 68th minute. After his substitution, India conceded goals. Rahmat Akbari’s shot from outside the box hit Rahul Bheke’s leg and went into India’s net. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu couldn’t do much.
If Sunil had stayed, pressure would have increased on Afghanistan. But his substitution relieved the pressure on Afghanistan. Even though Sunil Chhetri’s reaction showed he didn’t favour that decision. After he was substituted, Afghanistan kept increasing the pressure. Gurpreet made a fatal mistake at that time, committing a foul. Sharif Mukhammad scored from the penalty spot, bringing victory to Afghanistan.
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Despite leading, India lost the lead. Sunil Chhetri had led the team ahead, but as soon as he left, India conceded goals. After that, the Indian team couldn’t find the net. As a result, they drew with Afghanistan in the qualification match for the World Cup.