India and Afghanistan Play Goalless Draw in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

In a gripping Group A fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, India and Afghanistan played out a goalless draw at the Damac Stadium. Despite both teams showcasing offensive intent and creating several opportunities, neither side managed to find the back of the net.

India, led by forward Manvir Singh, displayed offensive prowess from the outset, with Singh coming close to scoring on multiple occasions. However, Afghanistan's resilient defense thwarted India's attempts to break the deadlock. The match witnessed tense midfield battles and strategic play, with both teams relying on different styles of gameplay.

India's Vikram Partap Singh, making his starting XI debut, posed a constant threat to Afghanistan's defense with his versatility. Despite controlling large portions of the game, India struggled to capitalize on their attacking opportunities.

In the second half, both teams continued to push for a breakthrough, with players like Vikram Pratap Singh and Liston Colaco missing chances to score. However, solid defensive interventions from players like Rahul Bheke and Subhasish Bose ensured that neither team could secure a decisive victory.

With the match ending in a stalemate, both India and Afghanistan now shift their focus to the next encounter, set to take place in Guwahati on March 26. As the stakes remain high in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, both teams will be eager to secure a crucial win in their upcoming clash.