Robin Singh’s brace helps India down Sri Lanka

by Kaushal Shukla December 25, 2015

India overcame a stubborn Sri Lankan side 2-0 in the opening game of the SAFF Suzuki Cup thanks to a second half double from Robin Singh in Trivandrum. India moved up to top spot in the Group A standings after picking up their first three points in the competition.

India were dominant from minute one against a Sri Lankan side who were set-up defensively after a successful rearguard action against Nepal helped them to a 1-0 win. Sri Lankan goalkeeper Sujan Perera was kept busy by the Indians since early on and the Lankan shot-stopper was forced into a sixth minute save from Sunil Chhetri after he headed a cross from Arnab Mondal on target.

India were finding plenty of joy on the right hand side in the early parts of the game, Sanju Pradhan failed to deliver the decisive cross as India failed to break the stern Sri Lankan defence. India came close to opening up the Lankan defence when Jeje almost got on the end of the Pronoy Halder cross as the first half which had very few chances for the Indian team ended goalless.

However, India made an early breakthrough early on in the second half when Robin Singh fired home a cut back from Sunil Chhetri in the 51st minute. Sri Lankan goalkeeper Sujan Perera kept Sri Lanka in the game after India turned on the heat on the Sri Lankans after getting the breakthrough.

After being under siege for almost the entire second half, India once again opened up Sri Lanka in the 73rd minute when Robin Singh’s right footed finish rolled into the back of the net. But the Bengaluru FC forward was injured while scoring India’s second goal was replaced by Lallianzuala who made his debut for the senior Indian side.

India attempted to further increase the lead, but the fantastic Sujan Perera kept the scoring down as India registered their first win to go top of the Group A in the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2015.