Press Trust of India
Guwahati, Feb 10: The Indian men’s football team bounced back from their opening match defeat and prevailed over Maldives 3-2 in a crucial match to reach the semifinals of the 12th South Asian Games here Wednesday.
A double strike by Udanta Singh and a goal from Pritam Kotal ensured an Indian win in a topsy-turvy match, which saw Maldives equalise their deficit twice, before finally surrendering to the Indian attacking prowess. India had lost to Sri Lanka 0-1 in their opening match, February 6.
India took the lead as early in the fourth minute when Udanta steered clear away from the Maldivian defence line and blasted home. However, three minutes later Maldives equalised to make it 1-1. Not to be deterred, the Indians got the lead back again with Kotal heading home in the 11th minute. Three goals in seven minutes had the spectators baying for more.
In the 31st minute, Udanta dashed into a vacant position from the left flank. However, he slipped as he was about to take the shot and lost control with a gaping goal in front.
In the 42nd minute, Maldives equalised again and both teams went into the breather 2-2.
India once again surged into lead in the 59th minute through Udanta, who made use of his opportunity to make the scoreline 3-2 in the home team’s favour.
