AFC Asian Cup Qualifier: Indomitable India hold buoyant Myanmar 2-2

by Intern November 14, 2017

Indian Football team continued their unbeaten streak as they held buoyant Myanmmar for 2-2, at the Pundit JLN stadium, Goa.

Chhetri scores another clinical goal to give India the first equaliser. Pic Courtesy: AIFF

Just as the score card suggest, it was an enthralling show at the the JLN stadium as both teams went playing with an attacking intent. It was Myanmar, who dominated the play and possession in the first half, but India bounced back in the second half with an incredible combat with the Myanmar.

The game kick-started, witnessing Myanmar’s quick attack through the flanks, which found Naing OO, and his powerful header went past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Myanmar was at the brink of another goal two minutes later, as Sandesh Jhingan’s unforced error saw the attacker clean through, but Sandhu was there with a good save.
Indian Captain Sunil Chhetri leveled the card for India, as he earned a penalty for the team and which was duly converted by him. With no result than a win adequate, Myanmar went attacking the Indian defense, so were the Indian attackers. However, Kyaw took the lead again for the visitors as his 25 yard away stunner found the way back of Sandhu’s goal.

Indian players’ then displayed an elegant set of play, with Sunil Chhetri leading the riots for them. India was near finding the equaliser in the 31st minute as Eugenson’s swirling corner found the bullet header of Sandesh Jhingan, but the Myanmar’s warden did deny it with a calm save. Few minutes later, another eugeneson’s cross found Sandesh Jhingan whose powerful shot was just over the post. Sunil Chhetri had a chance to slice past the Myanmar defense during the dying minutes of the first half, but his shot was just wide.

Also Read: People wanted me to study and get Government Jobs: Nishu Kumar

Pic Courtesy: AIFF

India dominated the game in the second half with some good possession and dazzling display, and akin to that of the first half, Sunil Chhetri lead the show for them. Kotal’s radiant cross in the 59th minute found Chhetri at an impeccable spot, but the header was just away from the target.

However, the thriving hosts equalised the score card yet again as Jeje did well in controlling a long ballbefore piercing the ball past the Myanmar goal. Ruthless and relentless with ball at their feet, Myanmar’s Bo Bo tested Sandhu again with a vigorous shot, but the warden denied it well, and minutes later, he unleashed another shot, but was far away from the goal. Sandesh Jhingan had another opportunity to score when chhetri’s wide cross in to the box  was met with an unconvincing shot from the defender going straight into the palms of the Myanmar keeper.

In the 86th minute of the game comedy of error resulted in both camps. First it was Myanmar defender back pass was caught by the Myanmar custodian giving India a free shot inside the box. However at the other end, Chhetri found the back of the net only to be denied since Jeje didn’t touch the ball first-time.

Both Myanmar and India pressed well in the end with chances to score in the dying minutes of the game. however there were no such chances converted as the score ended 2-2 at the final whistle of the referee.

Also Read: Football never has guarantees: Albert Roca

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football