India and Lebanon confronted one another within the final league sport of Intercontinental Cup on Thursday (June 15). Both groups had certified for the final and so, this sport was a mere useless rubber within the context of the match. For the identical cause, India head coach determined to present a possibility to the teenager making wholesale adjustments to their line-up.
While skipper Sunil Chhetri was additionally amongst rested, defender Sandesh Jhingan led India carrying the captain’s armband. Despite so many adjustments, India dominated the proceedings solely to not rating a objective. India would’ve taken a 1-0 lead inside first 5 minutes of the match provided that not for Anirudh Thapa lacking out on a golden probability when he solely needed to beat the Lebanon goalkeeper.Â
In the twentieth minute of the encounter, India but once more had a probability to take a lead Ashique Kuruniyan hit the ball straight to the Lebanese goalkeeper to waste the prospect. Coming on the sphere within the 82nd minute, Chhetri additionally missed to attain a decisive objective after he had acquired a good ball from Anirudh Thapa.
As for Lebanon, there was not a lot to experience dwelling about however they countered effectively each time India attacked. They had a couple of possibilities however as soon as the skipper Hassan Maatouk lashed a highly effective strike over the bar whereas within the different, skipper Jhingan put his physique on the road to disclaim Karim Darwich a possibility.
Despite not scoring a objective, India coach Igor Stimac was proud of the staff’s efficiency. “Very proud of the boys’ efficiency. We knew we might be examined a couple of occasions, and that is precisely what occurred. When you play in opposition to better-quality opponents, that may occur.Â
Captain and the Player of the Match Sandesh Jhingan mentioned, “As a centre-back, a clean sheet means a lot to you. As a team, if you can keep a clean sheet, it builds the momentum for the side. Credit to the team and coaching staff, we work hard, create chances, and the sky’s the limit for us.”
India and Lebanon will but once more lock horns within the final of Intercontinental Cup on Sunday.
(With Inputs from PTI)
