AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers: Winning finish for India
Doha: India finished off their Group C campaign in the AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers with an impressive 3-1 victory over Turkmenistan at the Al Sadd Stadium in Doha on Sunday.
Manvir Singh, Alen Deory and Jerry Lalrinzuala (penalty) scored the goals for India.
Earlier, Turkmenistan took the lead in the 13th minute, through Hojovov Hoshgeldi. The defender blasted in a free-kick from outside the area, giving no chance to India goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
India had more possession and threatened the Turkmenistan defence on a number of occasions, but they could not deliver the end product.
But they got a lucky break in the 40th minute when Manvir Singh, who was retreating to midfield after a failed attack, got a deflected pass and was played onside by Turkmenistan defender Mirsultanov Dovletgeldi, who then missed an opportunity to clear the ball.
Manvir took his time and calmly placed the bouncing ball to the left of keeper Berdiyev Dovletyar.
Turkmenistan missed a chance in the 58th when Hojayev Resul hit his shot straight at Kaith after a neat exchange of passes with Rejebov Berdimyrat while at the other end, Hoshgeldi cleared Nikhil Chandrasekhar Poojary's dangerous cross.
India took the lead in the 71st minute after a flowing move down the right involving Chandrasekhar, Manvir and Alen Deory, who finished off with a left footer.
Soon it was 3-1 when a free-kick hit Turkmenistan midfielder Ashyrov Mekan's hand inside the area and referee Kim Hee Gon pointed to the spot after hesitating initially. Jerry Lalrinzuala emphatically converted, sending the keeper the wrong way.
India got another chance to put the issue beyond doubt, but Lallianzuala Chhangte hit his powerful shot wide after the referee played advantage following a foul on Deory.
There was still time for Kaith to show his acrobatics when he was called into action to stop Nurlyyyev Bayramgeldi's powerful shot.
Source: the-afc.com
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