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It was business as usual for India in the Intercontinental Cup final against India as Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte found the net in a comfortable win in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, June 18.
Both goals came in the second half but it was India who dominated most of the game's attacking play. Early in the game, Ashique Kuruniyan broke from the wing but seemingly tripped on himself as the decision was rightly given in Lebanon's favour.
The disappointment of not getting a set piece did not deter the Blue Tigers. The attacking forays led to close chances as Chhetri came close to connecting with an almost perfect cross. Soon after, his shot on target was well-blocked by a Lebaanese defender.
After the initial domination, India let Lebanon back into the game as Karim Darwich had the best chance of the game in the 37th minute.
His teammate found him at the edge of the penalty box but the forward dragged his shot wide.
India started the second half in style finding the net just seconds after kick-off. Skipper Chhetri scored his 87th international goal of his career. But the plaudits go to fullback Nikhil Poojary, who nutmegged his opponent player to find Lallianzuala with a neat backheel.
The Mumbai City FC winger did well to cut the ball back to Chhetri, who neatly found the net with a tap-in.
Lallianzuala turned scorer for the second goal. Chhetri found Naorem Mahesh at the edge of the Lebanon penalty and his shot was nicely saved by the goalkeeper. However, Lallianzuala was there to volley the ball home.
This was India's second triumph in the competition. They won the first edition held in 2018, while the next edition held in 2019 was won by North Korea.
