India began a new era under Stephan Constantine on a positive note by beating Nepal 2-0 in a 2018 World Cup pre-qualifier match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. A brace from vice-captain Sunil Chhetri was enough to secure the win for the hosts.
India began a new era under Stephan Constantine on a positive note by beating Nepal 2-0 in a 2018 World Cup pre-qualifier match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. A brace from vice-captain Sunil Chhetri was enough to secure the win for the hosts.
The hosts enjoyed greater possession at the start, but were denied any clear cut opportunities. Robin Singh received the ball from Sunil Chhetri in the 11th minute but did not strike it cleanly and it was easily collected by custodian Kiran Themjung.
It took half an hour for India to get their first real chance. Chhetri got hold of a loose ball and swiftly played it long for Robin, but his shot sailed inches over the bar. A couple of minutes later, Eugeneson Lyngdoh was the architect of a better chance as he lobbed a ball over for Robin, who once again who beat the offside trap. His shot from the edge of the box could only hit the side-netting though.
The best chance of the half came through Francis Fernandes two minutes from the break. He received a gem of a through ball from Chhetri and went one-on-one with Kiran Themjung. He took it in his stride well but the keeper pulled off a great save with his legs.
Six minutes into the second period, Robin and Chhetri combined again. The veteran's shot from just outside the box was blocked by Kiran Chemjung while Robin couldn't muster a follow-up shot under heavy pressure from two defenders.
India however broke the deadlock two minutes later. Chhetri got hold of the ball in midfield and with the goal in his sights, he unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that rocketed into the back of the net to give his side the lead.
India appeared to double their advantage in the 63rd minute in what looked like a goal on debut for substitute Kackichand Singh. Lyngdoh's shot was deflected off an Indian player,and Chhetri got hold of it. The assistant raised the flag, but the referee hadn't stopped play. Jackichand then put the ball into the net but the referee finally blew his whistle for offside.
Nevertheless, the hosts got their second in the 70th minute with Chhetri coming up with the goods yet again. He drove forward from midfield and thumped in a shot from outside the box. Kiran stretched in vain as India went 2-0 ahead.
In the 80th minute, India were awarded penalty when debutante Cavin Lobo weaved his way into the box from the left and was brought down by Sandip Rai. Chhetri had a golden opportunity to seal his hat-trick but his low shot to the right of the keeper was saved.
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