The Group A fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers between India and Afghanistan ended in a goalless draw, marking a contest characterized by missed opportunities and a lack of clinical finishing. Throughout the match, both teams showcased moments of promise in their respective attacking endeavors but ultimately fell short of converting chances into goals. In a game filled with end-to-end action, the first half saw India come tantalizingly close to breaking the deadlock on multiple occasions, with striker Manvir Singh notably squandering two clear-cut opportunities. However, the Afghan defense held firm, and their goalkeeper was rarely tested, as India struggled to find the cutting edge in the final third. Despite Afghanistan also posing a threat with sporadic forays forward, neither side managed to truly trouble the opposing goalkeepers, resulting in a stalemate at halftime.

As the match resumed for the second half, the intensity remained palpable, with both teams committing to an expansive style of play. However, their efforts in the attacking third often lacked the necessary precision and composure, much to the frustration of both managers, Igor Stimac and Ashley Westwood, who could be seen vociferously urging their players on from the touchline. India continued to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, but their inability to convert chances into goals proved to be their undoing. In the 17th minute, Manvir Singh spurned a golden opportunity to give India the lead, a miss that would come to encapsulate their struggles in front of goal throughout the match. Similarly, Afghanistan had their moments to seize the initiative, with Mosawer Ahadi failing to capitalize on a promising chance inside the box.

The second half unfolded much like the first, with both teams trading attacking blows but failing to find the breakthrough. India came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 58th minute when Akash Mishra's precise cross found Vikram Partap Singh unmarked in the box, only for the striker to squander the chance with a wayward finish. Moments later, it was Afghanistan's turn to rue missed opportunities, as Rahul Bheke produced a timely interception to thwart their attacking threat. Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team could find the decisive goal, with Subhasish Bose's free header off a corner-kick narrowly missing the target in one of the game's final chances. In the end, the match concluded in a hard-fought draw, leaving both teams with plenty to reflect on as they navigate the remainder of the qualifying campaign.