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The Indian football team scored a narrow 2-0 victory over Nepal in the ongoing SAFF Championship, on Saturday. It was the Blue Tigers’ eighth straight victory since the turn of the year.
A winning mentality seems to be taking hold within the Indian team, as they continue to find success on the field.
Significantly, the Blue Tigers’ emphasis on physical fitness and determination in winning duels played a pivotal role in their streak of success. The defence, led by Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bicky, along with the youthful energy of Nikhil Pujari and Akash Mishra lifted the team’s performance.
And the aggression of the fiery team seemed to run out a bit during the match against Nepal. The Indian players were involved in another heated confrontation during the match on Saturday.
After Sunil Chhetri’s opening goal, the intensity of the match increased. In an aerial duel during a goal kick, Nepal striker Bimal Magar appeared to foul Rahul Bequi.
The challenge clearly infuriated Bikki, who quickly confronted Bhimal, expressing his displeasure. In response to Bheke’s actions, Nepal’s No. 10 engaged in a heated exchange, leading to a chaotic moment as both sets of players shoved and questioned each other.
Nikhil Pujari, in particular, appeared to bring down Bimal before the referee and the team captains stepped in to defuse the conflict. Although it wasn’t the first time that the players had defended each other, it was felt that this reaction was unnecessary either.
India was involved in a similar incident against Pakistan when coach Igor Stimak decided to interfere with the play and prevent Pakistan from making a fast throw-in.
As a result of the heated confrontation between the players, the referee decided to expel Stimak. After that the latter served his suspension during the match against Nepal.
Sunil Chhetri and Noorim Mahesh Singh score an impressive victory for India
The heated exchange between the two players definitely provided a glimpse into the flow of the game. India struggled to consolidate its dominance, and Nepal also resolutely defended it. In addition, Gorkhalis’ side created a few chances of their own in the first half.
The situation led to growing frustration among the players until Sunil Chhetri broke the deadlock after almost the hour mark. He found the delicate delivery of Naorem Mahesh Singh Chhetri in the box, who made no mistake in converting his chance.
The Blue Tigers took advantage of Nepal’s push in pursuit of an equalizer, effectively putting the game to rest with a counter-attack led by Sahel Abdul Samad.
The ball eventually found Chhetri in the box, whose effort was saved by Limbo. However, Mahesh Singh put the ball into the net to score his first goal in the colors of the Indian team.
India eventually managed to win 2-0 to cement their place in the semi-finals of the 2023 SAFF Championship. They will face Kuwait in their final match in the struggle for first place in Group A.
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