Mumbai: Forwards Robin Singh and Balwant Singh struck on either side of the break as India beat 160th ranked Mauritius 2-1 in their opening encounter of the AIFF Tri-Nation football tournament, here Saturday evening.
This was the ninth win on trot for the 97th ranked senior national team that had a host of U-23 players introduced by coach Stephen Constantine, keeping an eye on the future.
Sandesh Jhingan leading the team for the first time was in for a shock when Mervyn Jocelyn’s powerful right-footer deflected off Anas Edathodika with veteran custodian Subrata Paul completely wrong-footed. It was the 15th minute of the match.
However in the 37th minute, a defence splitting through pass from Rowllin Borges found Robin wide open on the left. The centre forward sped past defender Louis Dorza before unleashing an angular left-footer beating the opposition goalkeeper.
The winner in the 62nd minute from Balwant was a result of a three-touch move. Central midfielder Eugensen Lyngdoh sent one the into attacking third where Jeje Lalpheklhua’s deft touch opened wide space down the middle for Balwant. The former Mohun Bagan forward neatly placed it past the goalkeeper to get the lead for the hosts.
Press Trust of India