A predictable nil-nil draw in Abha, Saudi Arabia against Afghanistan, ranked 158 to India's 117, in a World Cup qualifier second-round match once again highlighted the one consistent trait in this Indian team -their inconsistency. The scoreless draw meant that the national team hasn't scored a goal since a 0-1 away win against Kuwait in November 2023.
The lack of goals against the Afghans, on the back of a poor Asian Cup where India let in six goals but didn't get a single one of their own over three group games, puts further pressure on coach Igor Stimac. The Croatian had, afterall, put all his eggs into one basket and waived the continental tournament off in the hopes of pulling the country into the third round of the WCQ and with it, qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup directly.
That dream might still be on the table, but it has become a lot tougher after only a point was gained when three easy ones were on offer on Thursday night.
India will need at least four points from their next three matches -against Afghanistan Indi last scor Novem unable1 target y they are goalless (March 26), Kuwait (June lower opp 6) and Qatar (June 11) to remain in control of their fate.
India under Stimac has become predictable.
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