Afghanistan can pose a heavy challenge for us: Adil

As India gets ready to take on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on November 14 for their FIFA World Cup qualifier, defender Adil Khan feels their opponents can pose a huge challenge for them.

Adil, whose last-gasp equaliser salvaged a draw for India against Bangladesh at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in the last World Cup qualifier, also said he would want to score more goals for the country and in a winning cause.

India were held to a 1-1 draw here last month after famously holding Asian champions Qatar to a 1-1 draw.

"It was the moment of truth for us and thankfully, I could contribute. It could have been anyone actually. Now, I don't want to look back and reminisce about the goal. I would rather like to score a few more for India," Adil said.

India are scheduled to clash with Afghanistan in Dushanbe on November 14 before flying to Muscat where Oman will host the Blue Tigers five days later.

Adil recalled the clash with Bangladesh but also mentioned that the team needs to "look forward" now.

"It was a grand occasion indeed and a memorable night for me. Now, it's time to look forward to our next two matches against Afghanistan and Oman. Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in their only home game so far and they are a respectable side. They can impose a heavy challenge on us."

On being asked how challenging would the tie against Afghanistan be, he said: "Very tough actually. Afghanistan have always been a juggernaut for us. We have to be very cautious and stay on our toes throughout to garner a positive result against them."

"We have heard from Sunil-bhai, Gurpreet-bhai and others how gruelling and taxing it was in the SAFF Tournament final in 2016. As I heard, a few Afghani players ply their trade in different European leagues and it underlines how threatening their players can be."

Adil had made his debut for India in 2012 before making a comeback seven years later under Igor Stimac in the King's Cup 2019.

"It's a dream-come-true occasion for any footballer to represent his country and I'm no different. I still remember my first match back in 2012 and again getting the National Team call-up in 2019 was something like my reincarnation as a footballer."

"I'm overwhelmed with the love and support bestowed on me. Now, I need to keep my head down and work relentlessly and deliver for the Blue Tigers whenever coach (Stimac) puts me in. I'm trying to learn as much as I can from everyone right from coach to fellow teammates. My primary aim is to grasp it and try to implement when the situation demands."

( With inputs from IANS )