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#4 Untested defenders put up a good show
In the absence of Jhinghan, Constantine fielded Anas Edathodika and Salam Ranjan Singh in the centre of the defence. The duo has played only one match together before. Also, Salam has not played a single match with East Bengal this season. So is the case with Anas, who only played with Kerala Blasters in their match against FC Goa, which his side lost by 0-3.
Subhasish Bose got his natural left-back position as Narayan Das was not there in the starting line-up. But eyes were on the central defenders and how they fare against a relatively stronger opponent.
After the match, it should be safe to say that they performed beyond expectations. India spent the entire first half defending in their own half and didn’t take a shot on rival’s goal. Salam and Anas were not allowing space to Baha Faisal and Ahmed Ersan. They only time they lost the concentration was during the second goal. The defenders were close to each other and didn’t notice Haddad rushing in from the left.
Pritam Kotal though was left bemused by some quick tricks of Al-Bakheet but fortunately didn’t commit a mistake. Salam also kept his cool on the defence and Anas showed the maturity which was expected from him.
