India outclass Nepal to win by two goals

India warmed up nicely for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier match against Kyrgyzstan as they outclassed lower-ranked Nepal 2-0 in an international football friendly in Mumbai on Tuesday.

India dominated most part of the game but had to wait till the 15th minute of the second half to take the lead when defender Sandesh Jhingan found the target. Another strike, with 11 minutes left for the final whistle, by hardworking midfielder Jeje Lalpekhlua sealed Nepal’s fate and gave the hosts a 2-0 win. The game was used by Indian chief coach Stephen Constantine to try out various players in the absence of some key men, including star striker Sunil Chhetri who was rested for the game.

Although India won with a comfortable margin, Constantine would not have been pleased with the squandered chances in the first half, most of them by striker Robin Singh who was replaced at the start of the second half. India now take on Kyrgyzstan at Bengaluru on June 13. India fluffed quite a few chances and should have been three goals up in the first half had Robin showed better finishing prowess. The hosts, however, should also consider themselves extremely fortunate at the …read more