Overview
- India were beaten 1-2 by Afghanistan at Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku after Mohammad Mustafa scored in the 15th minute and Shahzada Sultani added a second in the 27th minute.
- Nibas Meetei Wahengbam pulled one back for India around the 36th–37th minute but the Blue Colts could not find an equaliser.
- India began with early attacking chances that went begging, including a spilled cross the keeper nearly lost and a through ball that the striker could not reach.
- Afghanistan’s second goal came after Khair Mohammad Nazari pressured India’s back line and Nara Meitei Loushambam played a misplaced pass that Sultani intercepted and finished.
- The result eliminates India from contention for a higher placement in the 81–88 classification and sets up a semi-final against Kazakhstan later on Thursday with kick-off reported at 7:45 pm IST.