Asian Cup qualifiers: Sahal's strike seals India's win over Afghanistan

Igor Stimac’s India huffed and puffed on Saturday; they were all possession but little penetration. Against Afghanistan’s strong physical challenge, India’s ambitions looked to be hitting cul-desacs on one occasion too many. The contest — which appeared to be heading towards another stalemate between India and Afghanistan — suddenly came alive with all its beauty and brutality. Sunil Chhetri conjured a magical moment, brilliantly curling a free-kick around the wall and beating Afghanistan goalkeeper Faisal Hamidi all ends up to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead. But India's joy was short-lived as Afghanistan struck within two minutes, substitute Zubayr Amiri heading home Mustafa Zazai’s corner.

Stunned and frustrated, Stimac brought in Sahal Abdul Samad and the Kerala Blasters player took little time to embrace a cometh-the-hour-cometh-the-man moment in stunning fashion. Having received the pass from Ashique Kuruniyan inside the box, he looked up and beat Hamidi with astonishing composure and turned it into the match-winner in the first minute of the injury time, sending the Indian bench and supporters in raptures.

The 2-1 victory against Afghanistan here on Saturday put India on course for a berth in the next year’s Asian Cup. Both India and Hong Kong are now on six points each and their clash on Tuesday will determine the group winners.