India have completed the first set of win, draw and loss in Khalid Jamil's reign as head coach. On Thursday, the Blue Tigers were held to a goalless draw by Afghanistan in the CAFA Nations Cup at Hisor in Tajikistan.

India had begun the tournament with a 2-1 win over Tajikistan, before losing 0-3 to favourites Iran.

With 4 points from three matches, India's chances of advancing to the third-place match depend on Tajikistan's clash with Iran later in the evening. Should Tajikistan upset Iran, it would be the end of the road for India. But a draw will help India advance due to the better head-to-head record between the nations in the event.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a smart diving save to keep out a shot from range, while Jithin M S had a brilliant effort saved at the other end.

ADVERTISEMENT

Afghanistan, coached by two-time I-League-winning coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese, dominated possession (60%) and had twice as many shots in the match (7 vs 3). Italian Annese coached Kozhikode-based Gokulam Kerala to the I-League titles in successive years.

Jamil made a handful of changes for his third match, with winger Jithin M S earning a start. The Thrissur native had impressed in the second half against Iran.

ADVERTISEMENT

Two other Malayalis, defender Muhammed Uvais and forward Ashique Kuruniyan, started their third match in a row. Kerala Blasters' midfield Danish Farooq came off the bench for the final 10 minutes.

TAGS

Google News Add as a preferred source on Google
The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.