| India vs Afghanistan | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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India vs Afghanistan
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COMPETITION :
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FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026
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| DATE: |
26-03-2024
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TIME:
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07.00 PM IST (UTC +5:30)
05.30 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
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India's senior men’s national football team is gearing up for a crucial away match against Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification. After a mixed start in the qualifiers, India is determined to secure a positive result against Afghanistan.
The team, known as the Blue Tigers, left for Abha, Saudi Arabia, on March 15, 2024, ahead of their clash with Afghanistan on March 21. The match will take place at Abha Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for March 22 at 12:30 am IST.
In their previous matches, India secured a hard-fought victory against Kuwait (1-0) in Kuwait City but suffered a defeat against Qatar (0-3) in Bhubaneswar. Currently tied with Kuwait on three points in Group A, India aims to climb up the standings.
Head coach Igor Stimac is focused on improving the team's performance after a disappointing campaign in the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Despite setbacks in the previous tournament, Stimac remains optimistic about India's prospects in the ongoing qualifiers.
Stimac emphasized that the team has shifted its focus from the past disappointments and is determined to progress to the next phase of qualifying. With the support of fans and a renewed sense of determination, India aims to bounce back and make a mark in the upcoming matches.
INDIA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Subhasish Bose, Anwar Ali, Amey Ranawade, Jay Gupta.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Imran Khan.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap Singh.