New Delhi: India broke a jinx of not having won an away international friendly football match since June 2005 when they beat Cambodia 3-2 at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium on Wednesday after a 1-1 half-time score.
A spell of three minutes immediately after the interval settled the issue for Stephen Constantine’s boys, a match which witnessed two debuts — Anas Edathodika and Milan Singh becoming the 512th and 513th players to represent India respectively.
Two substitutions at the interval — Sandesh Jhingan and Jeje Lalpekhlua coming in for Arnab Mondal and Daniel Lalhlimpuia respectively — did the trick for the visitors.
The duo made an instant impact, scoring two goals, and despite Cambodia desperately throwing men into attack, India held on.
In a first half dominated by the home team, India surged into the lead in the 35th minute. A routine corner from Eugenson Lyngdoh saw the Cambodian goalkeeper misjudge his leap and as the ball slipped from his hands, a lurking Sunil Chhetri tapped in.
Cambodia though, hit back almost instantly, levelling scores a minute later through Laboravy.
India went ahead in a three-minute blitz. Jackichand Singh, running down the middle centred for Jeje, who evaded the rival defence and tapped it into the net to silence a 70,000 strong crowd. Three minutes later, India scored their third goal — a deft flick from Jeje off a Eugeneson Lyngdoh corner headed in by Jhingan.
The lead, however, lasted barely 10 minutes as the hosts pulled it back — Chan Vathanaka making use of the vacant space between the two central defenders.
Needs better start, says coach
Constantine later admitted the “team need to start quicker”, in international matches.
Moments after the Pnom Pehn game, Constantine said: “Every time you play for the national team, you want to win. Results matter and it is nice to continue the winning streak.
“We need to start quicker. It is a must. We have a habit of taking it a bit lightly and starting the game slowly. We can’t afford to do that.”
