Both teams started on a cautious note with India enjoying more of the possession in the opening half. Afghanistan played on the counter, keeping it compact in midfield.

 

India nearly took the lead in the 40th minutewhen Manvir Singh got onto Nikhil Poojary's cross to head the ball for the on-rushing Sunil Chhetri but the Indian captain was just a step slow.

Vikram Partap had a chance to break down the left early in the second half but he was quickly closed down by Afghanistan's Ovays Azizi.

India continued to threaten with Akash Mishra bursting down the left flank before putting in a decent cross, only for Mishra to miss with his header.

Both Mishra and Vikram were substituted on the hour mark with Brandon Fernandes coming in for Vikram, while Subhashish Bose replaced Mishra.

Moments later, Afghanistan created their best chance when Rahmat Akbari was played clear inside the box, his square pass to Taufee Skandari was perfect, however, Skandari spurned the opportunity.

Bose and Brandon were in the thick of action in the 80th minute when Brandon’s delivery from a corner kick caught the Afghan defence on the wrong foot but Bose’s free-header went wide.

India had their last chance in the third minute of stoppage time via Mahesh Singh after Liston Colaco had found him inside the box but he took too much time to contemplate his options and was closed down as the match petered out for a draw.