On Sunday, the Indian men’s football team defeated Nepal 2-1 at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu in the second international friendly. In the second half, Farukh Choudhary and Sunil Chhetri scored to earn India a much-needed victory. Nepal’s Tej Tamang netted an amazing stunner from long range, but it was too little, too late, and India won the match.
India triumphed, although their defense was shaky at best, and Nepal would have won the match today if they had finished stronger. India’s defense and transition play between the midfield and the forward line needs to be improved significantly. The forwards must also be significantly more precise in their movements.
Match Highlights
When the full-time whistle blows, India is declared the winner. In the 87th minute, Tej Tamang strikes a spectacular long ranger to give Nepal hope. Sunil Chhetri scores a 2-0 lead for India after a brilliant counterattack. India takes a 1-0 lead thanks to a Farukh Choudhary goal assisted by Sunil Chhetri.
After 45 minutes of play in Kathmandu, the score remained 0-0, with neither team able to find the back of the net. The Indian team was unable to generate anything meaningful as Nepal dominated the game.
India fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 in their first friendly, and they will be looking for a win this time. India’s performance in the previous friendly was underwhelming, and the team will be looking to improve before the SAFF Championships.
After the Victory
In difficult conditions against a tenacious opponent, India and coach Igor Stimac earned a much-needed victory. Sunil Chhetri, India’s captain, made the difference once again, setting up Farukh’s goal before scoring late to give his team a lead. Nepal will be left wondering if it should have taken its chances earlier in the game. The match ended with a score of 2-1 defeating Nepal.
Stimac was upset with his players’ display but expected a better effort on Sunday. “The mood is positive and our boys are aware that they can do much better.” Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu agrees that the squad needs to lift its game to come out on top.
Because pitches were unavailable, India’s head coach, Igor Stimac, was dissatisfied with the practice ahead of the second friendly. The friendlies are a warm-up for the SAFF Championships, which will take place from October 3 to 13 in the Maldives.
