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| INDIA 3-2 MALAYSIA INDIA: SUNIL CHHETRI-2,JEJE-1 MALAYSIA: SAFEE SALI-2  |
KOLKATA: Riding on a brace from star striker Sunil Chhetri, India defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the second International Friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Wednesday.
For India, Chhetri scored twice – in the 39th and the 53rd minute and fellow striker Jeje Lalpekhlua found the back of the net in 47th minute; while for Malaysia, Mohd. Sali Mohd Safee scored in the 45th and 59th minute.
The Indians played positive football and dominated proceedings in both the sessions. In fact, the Indians could have won by a bigger margin but for some inept finishing.
The midfield combination of Baldeep Singh, Francis Fernandes, Rocus Lamare and Lalrindika Ralte combined well and never allowed the rivals to settle down. Baldeep was a revelation in the central midfield and stayed the pivot on which the Indian team revolved. Captain Rahim Nabi also played an inspirational game.
Coach Savio Medeira was a pleased man. “The boys played their hearts out,” he said. “It’s good to end with a victory. We did make quite a few changes in the playing XI and it paid off,” he added. “The SAFF Championship is knocking at the door and we needed to give a chance to everyone to gauge their match temperament.”
“We didn’t get much time to prepare for the match but the boys rose to the occasion.”
Chhetri who stayed the cynosure of all eyes said, “We played well. It’s a special feeling when you score for your country.”
The first International Friendly between the two teams had ended 1-1.
INDIA: Subhasish Roy Chaudhari (G); Syed Rahim Nabi (C), Gouramangi Singh, Anwar Ali (Mahesh Gawli - 61st), Debabrata Roy (Samir Naik - 62nd); Francis Fernandes (Anthony Periera - 71st), Baldeep Singh (Jewel Raja - 78th) , Rocus Lamare, Lalrindika Ralte (Clifford Miranda – 90th); Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sunil Chhetri (Sushil Kumar Singh – 89th).
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