Milestone man Sunil Chhetri would be the cynosure of all eyes as India hope to beat their struggles in entrance of the objective within the return leg of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in opposition to Afghanistan in Guwahati on Tuesday. Igor Stimac’s India fired a clean in a disappointing draw within the away leg Group A match in Abha, Saudi Arabia on March 22 in opposition to their lower-ranked opponents, extending their goalless run. India final scored a objective in November 2023 in opposition to Kuwait.

In this backdrop, it will likely be crucial from India’s viewpoint that Chhetri, who shall be showing in his a hundred and fiftieth worldwide match, rises to the event and make his landmark recreation memorable on the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.

Having performed his first International in 2005, he has to this point earned 149 worldwide caps, 93 targets and 11 trophies for the nation, and his group could be too glad to see him rating yet one more time, cause them to victory and brighten their prospects of reaching the third spherical of the World Cup {qualifications}, one thing they haven’t achieved.

While Chhetri has all the time regarded to ship what is anticipated of him, his teammates perceive it’s not truthful to rely solely on a 39-year-old talisman and so they might want to chip in with helpful contributions if the 58-ranked facet is to excel and keep within the reckoning for a spot within the third spherical.

Stimac has prioritised qualification to the third spherical of World Cup Qualifiers and safe a direct entry into the 2027 AFC Asian Cup however together with his group coming off a disappointing marketing campaign within the final continental showpiece, the Croatian shall be beneath strain and can need his wards to point out much more desperation, composure and urgency upfront.

The Blue Tigers at the moment stand second within the group with 4 factors from three video games, one forward of Kuwait, who’re on three factors from as many matches.

India can nonetheless advance to the third spherical however the job has obtained so much more durable following final week’s stalemate, from which they gained solely a degree.

India will want a minimum of 4 factors from their subsequent three matches – in opposition to Afghanistan (Tuesday), Kuwait (June 6) and Qatar (June 11) to stay in command of their destiny.

Stimac hoped that Chhetri might make his landmark match all of the extra particular with a efficiency befitting his stature in Indian soccer.

“Being chosen to represent your country is a dream of millions of kids when they start kicking the ball, and to make it 150 times is possible only for the GOATs (greatest of all times),” stated Stimac.

“We hope our captain will make it memorable on March 26 for all Indian fans and himself.” Stimac tried out nearly all choices upfront within the first leg however they didn’t work, and a objective eluded the group.

He admitted that the group wants enhancements in a couple of areas particularly whereas attacking, and was not pleased with the way by which his wards sophisticated issues as a substitute of protecting them smile within the last third.

“We need to be better in passing, creating chances and attacking the box when the crosses are coming from the flanks,” he stated.

The Blue Tigers had final performed in Guwahati 5 years in the past, after they suffered a 1-2 defeat by the hands of Oman within the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup preliminary joint qualifiers.

Match begins at 7pm IST. PTI AH AH APA APA

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