Afghanistan vs India: 3 Talking points & tactical analysis | 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

#2 Igor Stimac gets his substitutions right

Super-sub Seiminlen Doungel scored the lone goal for India in their game against Afghanistan (Image Credits: AIFF Media)

Farukh Chaudhary coming on for Mandar was a great change and the former combined wonderfully with Ashique in the 57th minute of the game which saw the former whip in a cross only for Chhetri to fluff his lines.

Another substitution saw Manvir Singh replace Sahal. The Kerala Blasters midfielder was ineffective offensively as he found it difficult to dribble past the Afghan defenders. And, perhaps, India would've been better served with Brandon and Halder as the sole midfielders and the Manvir providing a physical presence up front.

Although the FC Goa striker didn't have any direct contribution to the chances India created, his presence in the final third allowed the other players to perform better.

Stimac threw the proverbial kitchen sink in the 77th minute by bringing on Doungel in place of Kotal. The FC Goa winger looked lively in the attacking third on the right-wing as he showed glimpses of his exceptional dribbling abilities.

The 25-year-old finally found the back of the net in stoppage time of the second half when he towered above the Afghan defenders to divert Brandon's corner.