India were held to a goalless draw by Afghanistan in Abha, Saudi Arabia as they climbed to second in Group A in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, after Qatar defeated Kuwait 3-0. Igor Stimac’s side spurned plenty of chances to score, and Afghanistan had their moments as well both sides shared the spoils in an attritional contest.

The result places greater emphasis on the return leg in Guwahati on the 26th of March, as well as the home tie against Kuwait in June if India are to progress to the third round for the first time ever.

Facing up to a sizeable crowd with support for both nations, India began on the offensive, despite an early penalty appeal from Rahmat Akbari being waved away. The attacking midfielder caused more consternation in the 12th minute – hitting the crossbar with a long-range effort, but India still remained the team in control.

Stimac had set up with an emphasis on wing play, and it almost paid off in the 16th minute – Akash Mishra’s cleverly floated cross finding Manvir Singh in space in the box, but the forward’s first-time shot trickled wide. It proved to be a pattern that repeated from the other wing – Nikhil Poojary sending in superb cross after superb cross, only for Manvir Singh to spurn the chance – either with a poor touch or glancing his header wide, as both sides went into the break without having troubling the keeper.

It was Vikram Partap Singh’s turn to spurn another gilt-edged opportunity in the 58th minute, glancing his header wide from Mishra’s cross with the goal at his mercy. That was the last action for the pair, with substitute Subhasish Bose nearly letting Afghanistan score in the 62nd minute after Akbari ghosted in behind him and squared it for Omid Popalzay, only for Rahul Bheke to clear.

The frustration was clear on Stimac’s face as he made a host of changes, with Liston Colaco and Brandon Fernandes finding plenty of joy. Brandon nearly provided the winner in the 79th minute, his corner delivery deserving of a goal, but despite having a free header in the box, Subhasish managed to glance it wide.

India’s desperation was evident in Mahesh Singh attempting a dive in the box in injury time, but despite the generous six minutes of play, it was evident that this game would finish goalless, which it did.

Meanwhile, you can recap all the minute-by-minute action from the match in our live blog below.

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