India register satisfactory win over Nepal in friendly

06/07/2017

India's preparations for their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan appeared on track as they thrashed lower-ranked Nepal 2-0 in an international friendly at Mumbai Football Arena on Tuesday. Sandesh Jhingan and Jeje Lalpekhlua scored for the hosts in the second half to set up the win.

Nepal were low on confidence when the game started but were kept in the game as India missed chance after chance. In the first ten minutes of the first half, Jackichand Singh freed Robin Singh and the latter took a shot that missed the far post by a couple of feet. It was a difficult chance and a good effort from Robin. Despite India's efforts, the first half remained goalless.

In the second half, the same story as the first played out as India dominated most of the game without the result to show. However, in the 15th minute of the second half, the hosts took the lead when defender Sandesh Jhingan found the target. Another strike, with 11 minutes left for the final whistle, by hardworking midfielder Jeje Lalpekhlua sealed Nepal's fate and gave the hosts a 2-0 win.

Coach Stephen Constantine had rested first team regulars like CK Vineeth and Sunil Chettri in order to keep them fit for their upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan. The match will be played in Bengaluru on June 13.

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