NEW DELHI: Indian men’s football team beat Chinese Super League side Shanghai East Asia 2-0 in their second and final match of China tour as part of preparations for the Asian Games here today.
Young Dempo forward Mandar Rao Desai (44th minute) and captain Sunil Chhetri (81st) scored either side of halftime to ensure India finished their China tour with an all-win record. The visiting side had beaten Jiangsu Sainty in their first match.
India could have scored more had substitute Seminlen Doungel’s shot not come off the crosspiece, an AIFF release said.
Shanghai East Asia are currently placed fourth in the Chinese Super League points table with 41 points from 23 outings.
Chhetri, promising Bengaluru FC midfielder Siam Hanghal and Mandar combined well in the midfield stitching good passes to Robin Singh up front. One such move was squandered by Robin from close. Soon after centre back Sandesh Jhinghan side netted a corner from a good angle.
India though were rewarded for their efforts in the dying minutes of the half, when Mandar ghosted behind the opponents’ backline to latch on to a neat pass from Chhetri. The Dempo lad then placed his shot perfectly to beat the keeper at his first post.
India doubled their advantage in the second half, this time Chhetri getting on the end of a wonderful move involving his Bengaluru FC compatriots Siam and Robin. The India and Bengaluru FC captain struck low to the keeper’s left after Siam put Robin through with a measured pass which the tall striker laid on for Chhetri.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team, also touring China, beat Century Park Football Club 4-2 in a friendly match in Shanghai today.
Striker Bala Devi (6th, 10th and 34th minutes) notched up a hat-trick and midfielder Premi Devi added another as India dominated their opponents from start to finish.
