Sydney FC defeated India 3-0 in pre SAFF Cup friendly
Sydney FC defeated India 3-0 in a friendly match played at Macquarie University Sports Field in Sydney on Tuesday after their 3-1 victory in their first friendly. India coach, Stephen Constantine felt that they wanted a ‘tough game’ and this one was nothing less than a ‘very good lesson’ for them.
The hosts had to wait till the 37th minute to open the scoring from Alex Brosque before Adam Le Fondre doubled the lead within 6 minutes. A low strike from Trent Buhagiar in the 86th minute sealed the tie for the Sky Blues.
Coach Stephen Constantine rang as many as five changes to the starting eleven from the last match against APIA Tigers FC Under-20s as Davinder Singh, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Hitesh Sharma, and Vinit Rai made way for Subhasish Bose, Salam Ranjan Singh, Nandha Kumar, Germanpreet Singh, and Anirudh Thapa respectively.
As the coach predicted earlier, the hosts started dictating the game since the kick-off but their efforts were thwarted by the resilient Indian defense until the 37th minute when Brosque headed a cross from Michael Zullo home. Six minutes later, ex-Reading attacker, Adam Le Fondre found the back of the net from a close range to double the lead before the teams headed to the dressing room.
After the breather, Constantine tweaked in three changes in the form of Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vinit Rai, and Manvir Singh withdrawing Nandha Kumar, Germanpreet Singh, and Farukh Choudhary respectively. After the hour-mark, Ashique Kuruniyan came very close to break the deadlock but his firing shot went off the target.
The Indians started to push the A-League powerhouse further in their quest for the elusive goal but finally, Trent Buhagiar poached another goal four minutes to the end of the regulation time to confirm a win for the Sky Blues during their pre-season.
Constantine felt they wanted a ‘tough game’ and this one was nothing less than a ‘very good lesson’ for the team.
“We knew very well that it was going to be a tough test against a terrific team and certainly, it was. Our boys were a little surprised with their speed and constant movement but overall, it was a very good lesson for us”, he added further, “We got better as the game progressed and created a few opportunities as well. Overall, we wanted a tough game and we were presented with one. Now, we know more about ourselves as a team and of course, as individuals,” Constantine said.
India are scheduled to play their third game Down Under against Rydalmere Lions FC on Friday.
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