The Indian men's football team registered a comfortable 2-0 victory over Mongolia in the Intercontinental Cup 2023 on Friday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
It was the team's first-ever competitive match in Odisha.
The Blue Tigers wasted no time in asserting their dominance as Sahal Abdul Samad found the net inside two minutes, giving India an early lead. Lallianzuala Chhangte doubled the advantage in the 14th minute, which further strengthened their grip on the match. The goals were a testament to the team's attacking prowess and showcased their intent to reclaim the Hero Intercontinental Cup title, which they last won in 2018.
Head coach Igor Stimac's men showcased their strength in the middle third and wide areas throughout the game.
Udanta Singh and Chhangte utilized their pace, while the midfield engine consisting of Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Apuia posed major problems for the Mongolian defence.
The opening goal came from a well-executed attack down the right wing.
Anirudh Thapa provided a precise low cross into the box, which Mongolian goalkeeper Enkhtaivan Munkh-Erdene could only parry into the path of Sahal Abdul Samad. The Kerala Blasters midfielder wasted no time to find the back of the net with his left foot, scoring his third goal for India.
2️⃣ Goals
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 9, 2023
☑️ Cleansheet
☑️ Solid Start#TheBlueTigers 🐯 start their #HeroIntercontinentalCup 🏆 campaign with a comprehensive 2️⃣-0️⃣ win over Mongolia 🙌🏽🔥#INDMNG ⚔️ #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Zfb3b83P9Q
Thapa was instrumental in setting up the second goal as well, this time from a dead ball situation. His right-swinging corner found Sandesh Jhingan, who headed the ball downwards. Despite Baljinnyam Batbold's attempt to clear the ball off the line, it rebounded off Jhingan and was swiftly volleyed into the net by Chhangte using the outside of his left boot. This goal marked Chhangte's first for India since the 2019 Intercontinental Cup.
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The second half saw less goalmouth action as Mongolia stayed compact in defence while India continued to control the game with their meticulous passing. The Blue Tigers could have had their third as well when substitute Rohit Kumar came close to scoring from a cross floated by Thapa but his header struck the crossbar.
What next for the Indian team?
India will be back in action against Vanuatu in their next match on Monday, June 12, at 19:30 IST. Intercontinental Cup football matches will be telecast Live on the Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD TV channels in India. Live streaming is available on Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV.
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