Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Yangon: Sunil Chhetri was again the hero for India with a 90th minute winner as India edged out Myanmar in Tuesday’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying Group A opener.
With the tie at Thuwunna Stadium seemingly heading for a goalless draw despite Myanmar’s domination, Udanta Singh charged down the right wing as India broke forward and the substitute crossed for Chhetri to hammer the ball home from inside the area.
India coach Stephen Constantine had labelled his side as the underdog ahead of the contest despite being 40 places ahead of Myanmar in the FIFA world rankings.
And for the majority of the contest Constantine was correct, with Myanmar striker Kyaw Ko Ko wreaking havoc for the home side, although without reward.
India had their best chance 14 minutes before half-time as Robin Singh crossed for Jackichand Singh, but the young striker was unable to convert from close range with the goal at his mercy.
Myanmar’s best chance of the contest arrived with three minutes remaining as Kyaw Ko Ko’s header from inside the area failed to find the target.
But after the home-side were unable to make use of their chances and domination, Chhetri was on hand to snatch all three points for the visitors to leave Myanmar stunned.
Photo: MFF