Robin shines in India win over Sri Lanka in SAFF Cup

It was a thoroughly dominant performance by the Indian national football team on Friday, 25 December, as they eased past Sri Lanka by a scoreline of 2-0 at the Trivandrum International Stadium in their opening game of the SAFF Suzuki Cup.

Two minutes later, Rowlin Borges and Lallianzuala combined for India’s fourth and the latter’s second as Borges released a well-timed ball for Lallianzuala, only for the 18 year old to head home as the scoreline read 4-1.

Contrary to the result, it was Nepal that started on a positive note.

India had fallen behind in the third minute to a Bimal Magar goal, but fought back through a Borges goal in the 26th minute and a Chhetri finish in the 68th.

Anil Gurung had a chance to equalise for Nepal in the 74th minute but Paul came up with a good low save to keep India ahead. A loss or a draw for Nepal tomorrow will see Sri Lanka progressing to the semifinals along with India.

India took the lead in the 68th minute through its inspirational skipper Chhetri.

Before that, Sanju Pradhan found an unmarked Jeje Lalpekhlua just a few yards from the goal.

Not to be outdone by himself, Chhangte scored another goal in the 90th minute with a header.

Nepal came at the hosts with pluck and speed as the new defensive combination and keeper Subrata Paul were tested. Minutes later, Narzary had a chance as he got on the end of a pass from Jairu but his shot was kept out by Chemzong.

However before the influential leader could make a mark, India took the lead in the match. You just need to look out for them. “He was a part of the DSK Academy who are doing a good job”, he said in one breath. 18 year old Lallianzuala cut inside from the right flank, feinted past a Nepali defender and unleashed a venomous curling shot onto goal which found the light of day, making it his first global goal for India as the score-line read 3-1. But at that time he wasn’t good enough.

“We’ll definitely miss them in this major regional event”, AIFF’s I-League – India’s domestic league – CEO Susando Dhar told The Express Tribune.

Regarding Desai and Fernandez, he said, “We were expecting them in the Camp but they did not turn up”. And here we are trying to do it in five matches.