India gets the victory and with that wins the tri-nation tournament. It was a hard-fought win, with both goals coming from set-pieces. But it is a win nevertheless and Stimac will have his positives to take note of.
In the first half, Kyrgyzstan grew into the game with its forward Ernist leading the charge. Anwar and Akash Mishra had to stay sharp down the left to prevent shooting opportunity. In 32nd minute of the game couple of free-kicks were awarded to Kyrgyzstan from dangerous areas. But they can’t hit the target. Aleksandir swing a cross from the right and Gurpreet fumbled it and gave away a corner.
It was in the 34th minute that India won a freekick, although not from shooting range. Brandon chipped it into the box and Sandesh Jhingan squeezed it inside. Despite not being at its best India went into the half time break with a one-goal lead. Brandon Fernandes was potent with his set pieces and it was one such freekick which lead to the opener. Jhingan did well to poke it in.
There was an early chance for Kyrgyzstanat the start of the second half. Ernist had a chance to shoot in the box, but opted to leave it for his partner behind him. Akash Mishra cleared it away. Gulzighit got the next chance to shoot and he did pull the trigger but Gurpreet palmed it away with comfortably. The away side turned the heat on since the restart. Indian defence was under tremendous pressure. Though in the 84th minute of the game Chhangte set up Suresh outside the box and the midfielder almost found the right bottom corner. Mahesh drove through the left and was brought down by a defender. Penalty was awarded to India and Chhetri stood up for the task. And it was inch-perfect right into the left bottom corner.
India stuck to its attack plans well to outplay Kyrgyzstan by two goals without a reply and to lift the Tri-nation International Football competition title in style, much to the glee of a packed Khuman Lampak Stadium on Tuesday.
