It was touted to be a battle of unequals, and the script did not change one bit.
It was touted to be a battle of unequals, and the script did not change one bit.
India got past Mauritius 2-1 to win the opening match of the Tri-Nation Football series at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai on Saturday evening.
It were the Singhs – Robin first (37th) and then Balwant (62th) -- on song for the Blue Tigers who struck a goal either side of half-time.
Jean Merwyn Jocelyn’s 14th minute strike was the lone goal from the Mauritian camp.
Substitute Balwant, who came in as replacement for senior pro Robin Singh, got India the lead by beautifully dribbling past the goalkeeper after receiving a deft pass from Jeje Lalpekhlua.
Right after the finish, Balwant erupted in joy along with his teammates and the few fans who had turned up to back the team.
The second half completely belonged to the hosts as they did not let their opponents breathe easy by having more ball possession.
In the 80th minute, India could have added another goal had mid-fielder Halicharan Narzaray found the net after being fed by Mohd Rafi. However, the former missed by hitting hit past the vertical bar.
Earlier, India bounced back late in style after the visitors dominated the first half. The lower-ranked Maurtians were impressive on the field, having more possession of the ball compared to their higher-ranked side.
Their play were restricted to possession but they were successful in creating a few close chances. The Mauritians got the upper hand in the 14th minute through medio Jean Mervyn Jocelyn’s powerful strike that left the Indian custodian Subrata Paul a mere spectator.
Having got a cross from the left, Jocelyn hit one hard that brushed the Indian defender Anas Edathodika and change the slight angle to enter the net.
After a lacklustre display in the initial stage, the Indians got back to business. They created a few close chances, though their moment of joy came in the 37th minute.
It was the experienced Robin Singh who got the equaliser with a solid left-footer that left the Mauritian goalkeeper gasping. A beautiful through from the medio Rowling Borges gave Singh the chance to bring the hosts back into the game.
India play their next game against St Kitts and Nevis next Thursday.
Final Score: India 2 (Robin Singh 37, Balwant Singh 62) beat Mauritius 1 (Jean Mervyn Jocelyn 14)
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