Indian and Lebanon performed out a goalless draw within the remaining league encounter of the Intercontinental Cup soccer, on the Kalinga stadium right here on Thursday.
There was not a lot urgency in each the edges because the earlier match of the day noticed Vanuatu (three factors) beating Mongolia (one level) to clear the best way for Lebanon, which secured the ultimate berth with the 4 factors already in its kitty. The match allowed each the edges to have a measure of one another earlier than their assembly within the title decider on the similar venue on Sunday.
With Sunil Chhetri sitting out after a protracted break, India had Ashique Kuruniyan within the sole assault place. The winger, who was returning after an damage break, didn’t look comfy in his new obligation as India tried to seek out the assault route by means of the flanks. India head coach Igor Stimac introduced in 10 modifications in comparison with the facet that performed the earlier match towards Vanuatu however that didn’t assist a lot because the host didn’t do a lot within the attacking third.
India’s midfield workhorse Anirudh Thapa had an opportunity within the third minute however his angular try went extensive off an open aim. Udanta Singh launched Ashique with a low cross within the nineteenth minute however the latter couldn’t beat the Lebanon goalkeeper Ali Sabeh together with his tried flick. Lebanon made some good counter-attacks as Indians often misplaced the ball in essential positions. Amrinder Singh made a determined diving save within the thirty second minute when the Lebanese ahead Karim Darwich had his header on track. The change of ends didn’t alter the scoreline.
The modifications of ends didn’t alter the scenario a lot as each side continued to focus extra on a mid-press strategy. Captain Chhetri was launched within the eightieth minute to revive India’s sagging morale. The host had a pleasant probability within the 83rd minute when Thapa launched substitute Rahim Ali with a positive by means of go. Presented with an open aim the unchallenged Indian ahead failed to point out the required sharpness and went for a sq. go permitting the Lebanese defenders to shut ranks. A Thapa free-kick within the ninetieth minute had Chhetri with an open probability however the Indian captain failed to attach his tried header correctly.
Results: India 0 drew with Lebanon 0; Vanuatu 1 (Gantuya Gantogtokh 46-og) bt Mongolia 0.
