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The Intercontinental Cup is a friendly tournament involving four countries - India, Kenya, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei. The tournament will help the Blue Tigers prepare for their AFC Asia Cup campaign.
India took on Kenya in their second match of the 2018 Intercontinental Cup. The Blue Tigers were coming on the back of a stunning victory against Chinese Taipei when they beat the Asian side by five goals to nil. Both Kenya and India were looking for their second victories in the Cup.
The Mumbai Football Arena was completely sold out as fans responded to Chhetri's plea to come and watch the Indian team in action. And the Blue Tigers did not disappoint as they ran out as winners by a comprehensive three-nil scoreline.
Sunil Chhetri was representing the national side for the 100th time and he marked the occasion with two goals. Chhetri stepped up to score from a spot-kick for the first of his two goals. The Indian skipper took the second one in style when he chipped the ball over an onrushing goalkeeper, later on in the match. Jeje Lalpekhlua scored in between the two strikes as India beat Kenya by three goals to nil.
Below are the player ratings from the match.
India
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (7/10): Once again, Sandhu had little to do but was excellent when called upon. He covered his goal smartly and even made some good saves to keep the Kenyan side from scoring.
Pritam Kotal (7/10): Enjoyed a decent game. Part of a strong back four alongside Jhingan, Anas, and Bose.
Sandesh Jhingan (9/10): The centre-back enjoyed a marvellous game and was also presented with the hero of the match award. Jhingan made sure the Kenyan forwards had no breathing space with his expert marking.
Anas Edathodika (7/10): Enjoyed a decent game alongside 'hero of the match' Sandesh Jhingan. Sustained the Kenyan attack all throughout the game.
Subashish Bose (7/10): Although not the most stand-out of performance, Bose still contributed to the team as they ran out as winners.
Pranoy Halder (8/10): Halder continued with the good form he showed in the previous match. Once again, sitting deep in the midfield and controlling the tempo of the game. He also nearly scored, only to be denied by a stunning save by the Kenyan shot-stopper.
Anirudh Thapa (7/10): Thapa and Halder could be the start of something great for India. The young central midfielder once again gave a decent performance, sitting alongside Halder.
Udanta Singh (6/10): Wasn't his usual dynamic self. But that is more down to the conditions than his own performance.
Sunil Chhetri (9/10): The Indian skipper rewarded the Indian football faithful by scoring two goals on his 100th appearance. His first coming from the penalty spot while his second a wonderful lob over the onrushing keeper.
Halicharan Narzary (7/10): Faced the same problems as Udanta due to a waterlogged pitch. Showed some bright sparks during the match.
Jeje Lalpekhlua (8/10): The 'Mizo Sniper' did what he does best and scored a magnificent goal for the Blue Tigers. He was a real handful for the Kenyan defence for the entirety of the match.
Kenya
Patrick Matasi (7/10): Although he made some good saves, Matasi suffered a terrible day at the office. The conditions made it worse for the Kenyan goalkeeper.
Mohammed Musa (7/10): Dealt with the Indian wingers, with little help from the conditions. A waterlogged pitch took the pace out of the game and made it easier for him to mark the wingers.
Jockins Atudo (6/10): Couldn't deal with the Indian forwards as they managed to score three goals. Gave away the penalty, although soft, which Chhetri scored.
Patilah Omoto (6/10): Jeje and Chhetri proved to be a handful for the Center back. He was unable to deal with the base of the Indian forwards.
Erick Otieno (7/10): Kept the Indian wingers in check for most of the game, allowing very few crosses.
Dennis Odhiambo (6/10): A few half chances fell to Odhiambo but he was unable to make the most of them. His poor decision making hurt the team on a few occasions, for example, choosing to go for goal from a tight angle instead of crossing the ball.
Ovella Ochieng (6/10): Failed to provide ample cover to the back line as they conceded three goals.
Pistone Mutamba (7/10): Troubled the Indian backline but a lack of end product meant his efforts went to waste.
Michael Kibwage (7/10): Kibwage played a few good passes and sharp crosses but there was no one at the end to finish.
Cliffton Miheso (6/10): Looked sharp at certain moments but couldn't produce enough to trouble the defence.
Duncan Otieno (6/10): At times, caused trouble for the Indian backline. However, Jhingan and Anas dealt with him for the most part.
