Savio Medeira’s side kicked-off their SAFF Championship campaign with a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi on Saturday.

Belal Arezou’s early strike was cancelled out by Sunil Chhetri’s headed goal in a game whether neither side could find the winner.

India started with Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua upfront while Afghanistan too lined up in their familiar 4-4-2 formation.

The Men in Blue were in for some early shock as Balal Arezo slotted the ball home from inside the box with Mahesh Gawli being the guilty party.

Sunil Chhetri had a feeble attempt in the seventh minute before he followed it up with a header to equalize from a Steven Dias flag-kick.

The game was very much played at a decent pace with both the sides looking to attack at every instant. For India, Rocus Lamare initiated several moves while the two wingers of Afghainstan, Mohammad Esrafil and Waheed Ahmad looked dangerous with each run.