Intercontinental Cup: Chhetri Brace Not Enough as Tajikistan Make 4-2 Comeback Win

Ahmedabad: Tajikistan made a stunning comeback to beat India 4-2 despite a good effort in the first half in the first match of the Intercontinental Cup at the EKA Arena here on Sunday.

Sunil Chhetri scored a first-half brace but Tajikistan scored four goals in the second half to take the three points on the night.

India had the perfect start to their title defence, as Mandar Rao Dessai played Lallianzuala Chhangte through inside the box. The left winger came under a heavy challenge with the referee having no option but to point to the penalty spot. Sunil Chhetri stepped up to the spot and placed a Panenka into the top-right corner to hand India the early lead.

Tajikistan took some initiative after conceding early and went on to put some pressure on the Indian defence. Anirudh Thapa and Amarjit Singh Kiyam stepped up their defensive game to foil the opportunities.

A little after the quarter hour mark, Tajikistan had the perfect opportunity to equalise, when Komron Tursonov went through on goal. However, his shot went inches wide. A little after the half-hour mark, Adil Khan did brilliantly to keep India ahead as he cleared a header after a melee inside the box.

Tajikistan came out with great gusto in the second half, and pulled one back within the first 10 minutes of the restart. Komron Tursonov was played through on goal, as he galloped past the defence. While his initial shot was blocked by goal-keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, he got on the rebound and scored from a tight angle.

Tursonov played a vital part in the putting Tajikistan back in the game, as his cross from the right found Sheriddin Boboev who merely hat to tap it in past Adil and Gurpreet. Soon after, Muhammadjon Rahimov powered through the defence and slotted it past Gurpreet to put Tajikistan in the lead.

Tajikistan had more, Panshanbe Ehsoni crossed it in for substitute Shahrom Samiev to volley it in for the fourth.

India’s second-half substitute Rowllin Borges, who replaced Sahal, had the opportunity to pull one back when Udanta crossed it in to him, but the midfielder skied his effort, as the match ended with a two-goal victory for Tajikistan as the full-time scoreline read 4-2.

India next play North Korea on Saturday.