Fresh from the Asian footballing action, the Indian National Football Team on Sunday drew their final Group A match at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre Stadium against Myanmar to qualify for the quarter-finals of the ongoing edition of the Asian Games being held at Hangzhou. Both teams ended the game with a goal each in their pocket, and India were able to edge past Myanmar
Myanmar desperately needed a win in this match to enter the quarter-finals, while India, on the other hand, only needed a draw to ensure a berth in the quarter-finals. The win also ensured India qualified for the knockouts of the continental tournament for the first time in 13 years.
Skipper Sunil Chhetri scored the lone goal for India as he successfully converted from a penalty spot in the 23rd minute following a foul on Rahim Ali while he was in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.
Myanmar did however manage to get back into the game as they found the much-needed equaliser in the 74th minute. Substitute Kyaw Htwe sent a header flying past the Indian goalie Dheeraj Singh to bring the scores level. Thereon, Myanmar continued to build attacks following the goal but the Indian defense ensured things remained as it is until the full-time whistle.
Qualifying for the playoffs of the Asian Games for the first time in 13 years, the Indian team has been in sublime form throughout the past year which saw them lift the SAFF 2022 title by beating Kuwait in the final and the Nehru Cup for a record 9th time earlier this year by defeating Iran.
India is now the second-placed team in the group with four points from three games. Now, depending on the performance of the remaining group fixtures, India might next meet Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals.
