Afghanistan vs India Group E World Cup Qualifier|14 November 2019

thebeautifulgame

India take on Afghanistan in a do-or-die match in the fourth FIFA World Cup qualifier when they travel to the Central Republic Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The Men in Blue made a stuttering start to their campaign when they lost to Oman 1-2 in the opening match but bounced back in style by holding mighty Qatar in their own backyard. However, their qualification chances suffered a body blow when they were held to a draw by Bangladesh in the next game. Consequently, this is a must win game for the Indians if they are to keep alive their slimmest chances of qualification.

The Indian defence, which has looked shaky, will have to cope with the absence of their defensive stalwart, Sandesh Jhingan who is recuperating form a knee injury. Anas Edathodika is expected to replace him and partner Adil Khan in central defence, while youngsters like Narender Gahlot and Sarthak Golui could also be tried out in this game. The forward line has not looked impressive at all and it is high time for the likes of Manvir Singh and Farukh Chowdury to come to the fray and ease the pressure off captain Sunil Chhetri. 

It is true that Afghanistan are ranked 149th in the world, 43 places below India and the Men in Blue enjoy a good head-to-head record against them, but the Afghans will be no pushover. Their campaign started on a disastrous note when they were walloped 0-6 against Qatar, but they won the next match against Bangladesh 1-0 only to be defeated by Oman 0-3 in the subsequent game. They currently occupy the third position in the table with three points, one above India who have two points in their kitty. An unpredictable, stubborn side, they have some good players in midfielders Farshad Noor and forwards Jabar Sharza and Khaibar Amani who can trouble any team on a given day.

 

Match Details 

Date: 14/11/2019 (Thursday) 

Venue: Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 

Time: 7:30 p.m IST 

Telecast: Star Sports 3 

Live Stream: Hotstar, Jio TV

Carbon_14

I think this week would be end of Stimac era in Indian football. one draw & one loss & we are out with Stimac

Passi

India to win 2-1

munna219777

Draw will not help.

Draw against Afghanistan may prolong Stimac job but it will not help India cause.

India needs to win against Afghanistan. We have fallen behind in Points Table.

We dont need that ultra defensive display that we showed again Qatar.

India should play to win both Afghanistan and Oman games.

Go out with a Bang, not a Whimper !!

dev_pfc

@Carbon_14 Aiff doesnt have the money to sack Stimac, if they want to sack him, they will pull another Houghton style drama.

munna219777

On 14th November, Dushanbe weather is expected to be Maximum 17 deg C and Minimum 3 deg C.

Day will be sunny, dry and no sign of any Rain.

Expect temp between 10 to 7 degree during match time.

There are around 650 Indian students studying MBBS in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Lets hope some of them come to the stadium and support Indian Team.

thebeautifulgame

 In Tajikistan presently over 650 Indian students are undergoing MBBS course. They study in the Avicenna State Medical University located in Dushanbe.  The university admits Indian students since the time of Soviet Union.
http://www.eoidushanbe.gov.in/page/for-indian-students/

The largest component of Indian community in Tajikistan consists of around 850 medical students at the Tajik State Medical University. There are about 30 representatives of various Indian companies mostly from the pharmaceutical and hospitality industries. 
http://www.eoidushanbe.gov.in/page/indian-community-in-tajikistan/

munna219777

Team India reached Dubai and organised training session at Dubai Sports City.

https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1194153138795638784

Tonight they will continue their onward journey to Dushanbe by flydubai airline.

Chelseafan

Even if India loses both the matches (which, sadly,  seems highly likely) i don't think aiff can afford to fire Stimac without having to pay a huge compensation for termination of his employment contract so early. Already the bugger is getting a more than decent salary  for doing a shit job, i shudder to think what sort of compensation would be awarded for ending his contract merely 6 months into it. 

Ronny

I dont think we are going to loose the Afghanistan game..Pretty sure we will give a tough fight to Oman as well..My only concern is Anas in defense

sam

Anas's mother passed away. He went back to Kerala from Dubai.