Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s brilliance guided the Blue Tigers to finish at third place in the CAFA Nations Cup with an exciting 3-2 triumph over fancied Oman at Hisor Central Stadium in Hisor, Tajikistan, on Monday.
India conceded the goal in the 55th minute as a center from the left was punched by Yahmadi on the run that found the far corner of the net. Despite the pressure from Oman, the Blue Tigers did not give up and offered penetrative counter-attacks also.
The scorelione was leveled finally by Udanta Singh in the 80th minute. The chance was created from a long throw-in. The ball was nicely flicked behind by Danish from Bheke’s throw and Udanta dived to head the ball inside the net.
The regulation time of 90 minutes and the next 30 minutes of extra-time ended 1-1 stalemate before the penalty shoot-out started.
Chhangte, Rahul Bheke, and Jithin MS struck for India. Udanta missed the crucial one, but Gurpreet thwarted off Al Yahmadi’s final shot to ensure a 3-2 victory for India.
