"Chhetri strikes once again on target equalising Argentinian striker Lionel Messi's international goals, as India wins 2-0 against Kenya in the Hero Intercontinental Cup final"
India started off with their best starting XI, with Sunil Chhetri as their Captain.
The first half was pretty much in control for the Blue Tigers with both goals coming in the first half itself.
The first goal was from a set piece at the 8th minute of the game from just outside the box on the right flank.
With a clever pass from Anirudh Thapa which dissect the Kenyan defenders and gave "Captain Fantastic" a clear chance to the goal.
The second goal was a beauty itself. At the 29th minute of the game; a lofted ball from Anas Edathodika flew over the Kenyan defense before being perfectly brought under control by Chhetri; as "Captain Fantastic" released a left-footed shot to find the net, equalising Lionel Messi's record of 64 goals for the country.
There was a chance for India, minutes before the first half as the Blue Tigers were awarded a free kick from a lethal position. Chhetri however failed to get the ball at the back of the net and sent it over the crossbar.
There was a chance for India, minutes before the first half as the Blue Tigers were awarded a free kick from a lethal position. Chhetri however failed to get the ball at the back of the net and sent it over the crossbar.
The second half was mostly in control of the Kenyan side, but they failed to score past the "Indian Wall"; Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
In the 76th minute of the match, Kenya got a chance of a free-kick, it was placed to the top corner but Sandhu was up to the mark as he carried the ball for Kenya’s 8th corner.
There was a total of 6 substitution from the Indian side, starting with two back to back changes; Balwant Singh replacing Jeje Lalpekhlua and Rowlin Borges replacing Holicharan Narzary in the 61st minute of the game, following with Ashique Kuruniyan replacing Udanta Singh and Lalruatthara replacing Pritam Kotal at 81st minute and finally Narayan Das replacing Subhasish Bose and Laldanmawia Ralte relacing Anirudh Thapa at the injury time of the game.
India was pushed to the limit before they eventually won the match 2-0, Sunil Chhetri as expected was the difference. Chhetri came close to a hat-trick in the last minutes but it was supposed to stay that way.
For India, this was a great preparatory pad for India ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in 2019.
Good luck for upcoming throphies ✌️✌️✌️
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