Indian kick off their Hero Intercontinental Cup campaign with a win against Mongolia
Sahal Abdul Samad and Chhangte score as India drift past Mongolia with a 2-0 victory in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023.
The Indian men’s Football Team defeated Mongolia 2-0 in their first draw against Mongolia on Friday at the Kalinga stadium. Sahal Abdul Samad opened the scoring for the Blue Tigers in the first 2 minutes, followed by another strike which was put in to the back of the net by Hero of the Match Lallianzuala Chhangte, in the 14th minute.
Igor Stimac’s side set themselves up in a 4-2-3-1 formation – allowing Udanta Singh and Chhangte to behind the Mongolian defence. Amrinder Singh in goal was a solid wall. Fullbacks Nikhil Poojary and Akash Mishra played wide and near the center of the pitch. The two center mid’s Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali had a great game by controlling the midfield. Anwar Ali had to leave the pitch after a clash with Baljinnyam Batmunkh inside the Indian box.
The Indian winger’s had a great match as usual by exposing the Mongolian defence using there sheer speed and agility. The Blue Tigers will want to increase their level of performance on the pitch as they go up against Lebanon (rank 99) a fairly higher rank team.
Lebanon grooved past a tough Vanuatu side 3-1 earlier on Friday. India and Lebanon stand stop of the table after the first match day.
