India produced a workman-like performance, which saw them play over 50 minutes with 10 men, to register their first win of the World Cup qualifier campaign with a 1-0 result over Guam in a rain-lashed match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday.
Robin Singh scored the lone goal in the 11th minute while Sehnaj Singh got his marching orders late in the first half in the two key moments in the match.
Despite the win, India remain at the bottom of the group with three points but threw up a significant roadblock in Guam’s qualifying chances.
Head coach Stephen Constantine started with an attacking lineup with Cavin Lobo and Romeo Fernandez, the former playing behind the striker and the latter slotted in the wing.
And the impetus paid off as India, while forced to do their part at the back, looked threatening on the attack right from the off and took the lead early when Sunil Chhetri stole behind the defence and latched onto a goalkick from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the left wing.
The captain then found Robin at the edge of the box, who sold a dummy to the defender before curling it into the net off the bar with his right foot.
Guam almost found the equaliser in the 18th minute when Marcus Lopez lobbed the keeper but the linesman had his flag raised on the far side.
The next chance went to the Blue Tigers when Chhetri set up Eugeneson Lyngdoh for a strike only for the midfielder to be obstructed by the referee as he tried to get his shot away culminating in a harmlessly high strike.
The visiting side had their moments too with Arnab Mondal almost heading into his own net and Gurpreet saving a header from Ryan Guy before Sehnaj was shown a red card in the 41st minute for a late challenge on Justin Lee at the halfway line just before half time.
With intentions of holding onto the lead, Constantine brought on Harmanjot Singh Khabra for Romeo at the break to add protection in midfield while operating on counter attacks.
