Robin, Balwant secure India’s ninth consecutive win

by Chittu Shetty August 19, 2017

India registered their ninth consecutive victory as goals from Robin and Balwant was enough for India to defeat a spirited Mauritius.

Subrata pal started between the sticks in absence of Gurpreet singh sandhu, while skipper Sandesh Jhingan started alongside Anas. Pritam Kotal and Narayan Das started at full backs. Eugene and Rowlin looked to control the midfield while jackichand and Halicharan Narzary started as wingbacks. Jeje and Robin started in front.

At the other end, Mauritian Coach Filho decided to pack his midfield with Captain Kevin Bru leading the team from the middle, while Jonathan Justin operated as the lone striker.

After an even first 15 minutes it was Mauritius who took the unlikely lead when midfielder Jean jocelyn’s shot from outside the box took a slight deflection as it went in. The goal definitely boosted the Mauritians as they started getting comfortable and content with passing the ball around. Few minutes later, India had their own first threatening attempt when Narayan Das curling free-Kick was headed just wide by Jhingan.

Mauritius soon attempted their second shot from outside the box, but Captain Kevin Bru shot was wide of the target. India soon came back in the 37^th minute when a through ball from Rowlin Borges was finally finished off in style by Robin Singh to send the crowd in to frenzy. The crowd that was silent up until now began cheering back loud as India soon began to dominate. Both sides entered the break at level scores.

Second half began with Constantine bringing in Balwant and Nikhil replacing Robin and Jackichand. India began brightly showing some promise in attack. And soon they were rewarded with a second goal, when a brilliant through from Jeje was clinically finished off by Balwant. India soon grew stronger with possession. In the 78^th minute, Narzary was sent through by Balwant but the winger lashed his shot wide.

Soon Constantine brought on Manvir Singh, the U-23 player making his debut for the senior team. The youngster almost made an immediate impact when his shot from distance went inches over the bar. With five minutes of injury time, Mauritius soon attempted their late comeback going close a couple of times. However the Indian defence held on until the final whistle.

India now face St. kitts & Nevis on 24^th August in the last game of the tri series, while Mauritus face the same opponent on Monday.

Final Score: India 2 (Robin 37’, Balwant 62’) – 1 Mauritius (Jocelyn 15’)