Twin strikes from Sunil Chhetri and two timely blocks from Gurpreet Singh were the key as India beat Kenya 2-0 to win the four-nation Intercontinental Cup here on Sunday night.
India controlled the ball in the first half, drew its rival deep and hit via long balls, using Chhetri’s pace and control as the spearhead in attack. The defence then absorbed pressure from Kenya’s fightback in the second half allied with Gurpreet’s efforts under ensured the title.
A packed house at Mumbai Football Arena got more than its share of thrills as the team in blue displayed sharpness in offence and cohesion in defence against a hard-running Kenyan side showing inexperience.
Chhetri finished as the top scorer with eight goals. The final’s first goal came off a free-kick, won by Chhetri as the jittery Kenyans used all means to keep him away from the ball. Anirudh Thapa took his time as players took positions in the box. He then tapped ahead to give his captain time to step back and away from his marker and sweep home.
India’s second, 29 minutes into the first half, came off a long pass by Anas Edathodika. The Kenyan defence were caught ball-watching as the ball bounced twice only for Chhetri to dart in beating the off-side trap, control with his first touch and slot home with his left foot. Goalkeeper Matasi could only watch helplessly.
Later Ovela Ocheng’s sudden shot from 35-yards out flew towards the Indian goal when Gurpreet responded with a graceful leaping save. The Indian custodian then palmed away a fierce shot by the Kenyan off a free-kick to the top right corner. Kenya regained composure, moved the ball around and the Indian defence had work to do after a relaxed first half.
India fought hard for the ball, especially the skipper who chased a goal-kick by Gurpreet across the field and was denied by a timely leap and collection by the rival custodian. The home team played deep in its own half, covering up for each other to deny the speedy Kenyans space to surge forward down the flanks or through the middle. The Africans were below par in close passing and gave away possession too frequently.
Stephen Constantine introduced fresh legs in the midfield and forwardline with Rowlinson Borges and Balwant Singh in for Holicharan Narzary and Jeje Lalpekhlua. Ashique Kuruniyan came in for Udanta Singh.
The result: India 2 (Sunil Chhetri 8, 29) bt Kenya 0.
