India had defeated Mongolia 2-0 on Friday to begin their campaign, and on Monday, three days later, they defeated Vanuatu 1-0.
In the Intercontinental Cup football tournament, which took place here on Thursday, India failed to capitalize on their opportunities, settling for a goalless draw with Lebanon.
Head coach Igor Stimac benched several senior players, including striker Sunil Chhetri and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, in line with his policy of making healthy changes to his starting XI.
In Chhetri’s absence, defensive pillar Sandesh Jhingan wore the armband of the captain. However, since both teams had already secured their places in the tournament’s final.
The outcome had no bearing. The event’s two additional teams were Mongolia and Vanuatu.
Chhetri was brought on in the 82nd minute and received a flawless pass from Anirudh Thapa, but the India captain was unable to score.
After being set up by Lallianzuala Chhangte and having only the opposing goalkeeper to beat, Anirudh Thapa missed a sitter in the fourth minute.
Which would have made the score 1-0 India. He was limited to shooting the ball away.
After a good ball inside the box, Ashique Kuruniyan hit the ball straight to the Lebanese goalkeeper, wasting another opportunity nearly 20 minutes into the game.
Due to India’s two missed chances, neither team scored before the halftime break.
The second half pretty much went the same way as the first. With the floodlights going off for a few minutes as neither team was able to score.
Both India and Lebanon attempted to make a few substitutions in an effort to break the deadlock. But to no avail, as the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
India had defeated Mongolia 2-0 on Friday to begin their campaign, and on Monday. Three days later, they defeated Vanuatu 1-0.
Lebanon had also started off strong, defeating Vanuatu 3-1 before drawing 0-0 with Mongolia on Monday.
Stimac expressed satisfaction with the outcome despite the goalless draw.
“Extremely satisfied with the boys’ performance.
We were aware that we would be put to the test a few times, and that is exactly what happened. That will occur when you play against opponents of higher quality.
“I’m just sorry for the boys, it didn’t happen. Another clean sheet, enough chances to win big, and it didn’t happen. “In three days, we will undoubtedly win the next time,” he declared.
India largely controlled the game’s pace, but Lebanon appeared to be threatening on the counter. Captain Hassan Maatouk swerved close to the edge of the box in the tenth minute before firing a powerful shot over the crossbar.
On one more such break forward. Karim Darwich had a reasonable sight of objective however Jhingan put his body at risk similarly as the Lebanese player pulled the trigger.
Jhingan, who was decreed the Player of the Match, said. “As a middle back, a perfect sheet makes a big difference to you.
If you can keep a clean sheet together, the team gains momentum. We work hard, create chances, and the sky is the limit for us. Which is a credit to the team and coaching staff.”