India 2-0 Macau, Player Ratings: AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers

The Indian football team continued their foolproof performance and has broadened their unbeaten streak. The Blue Tigers outclassed Macau in the latest Asian Cup Qualifier match, thanks to the brace by super-sub Balwant Singh.

The Macau Olympic Complex witnessed an electrifying 90-minute battle. Few seconds after the kick-off, India gave a clear intention as they went on to attack ruthlessly. India dominated but failed to duly convert them.

In the second half a tactical change was felt, rather than piercing the Macau defense, India chose to score through crosses and the result was Balwant’s header goal. Nearing the end, Balwant added his tally into two from a long assist from goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. With the win, India strengthened their grip at the top in Group A in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 third round qualifying stage.

Here is the rating of the Indian players ranked on a scale of 1 to 10.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 7

Former Stabek FC goalkeeper was free in front of the goal. He was rarely tested by the Macau. Interestingly, Gurpreet assisted Balwant’s second goal.

Anas Edathodika - 6.5

Anas Edathodika had a decent game today. He was not tested very much put did what was necessary. The remarkable moment from his game is he denying a Macau attack with a superb tackle

Sandesh Jhingan – 7

Our future captain had quite a good game. Jhingan was a towering presence in the Indian defence and his aerial prowess helped India put the ball off their half with some ease. He never seemed to lose a duel and was one of the main reasons India kept a clean sheet.

Pritam Kotal – 8

Pritam Kotal played a decisive game for India. He deployed several chances through the right flank, making several overlaps and performed well to prevent Macau from attacking his side and creating overloads.

Narayan Das - 7.5

Narayan Das struggled a bit in the start, committed fouls, but soon came into his own. He went on to attack in several instances and also assisted Balwant’s superb headed goal.

Rowllin Borges -8

Rowllin Borges played an instrumental part in India’s victory. His experience and talent helped India took the control in the midfield throughout. He played as a holding midfielder and supported both defense and attack when needed.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh – 7

His was far from a decent showing before he made way for Balwant in the second half. Lyngdoh's long ranger that hit the bar was his highlight of the game.

Sunil Chhetri – 7.5

The skipper had a modest game at the office. His performance didn’t reach the level the fans expected. He, many a time, failed to convert presentable chances into a goal. The 33-year-old, however, recovered in the second half, where his header that hit the post was one remarkable moment that left all Indian fans gasping.

Holicharan Narzary – 8

He was everywhere in the game. The audience can say that he was in charge of the midfield. His performance was better than that of his partners in midfield. He had a fine afternoon, helping India create many chances in the Macau half.

Udanta Singh – 6

The ‘Flash‘ had a not-so-good day at the office. He was unable to convert the chances his co put forward. He was often dominated by his marker and struggled to impose himself against the packed Macanese defence.

Jeje Lalpekhula – 6.5

Jeje also had a not-so-good day at the office. His attempts to do better each instance, to pierce the defence, however, went futile.

Balwant Singh – 9

Hero Of The Match! Stephen Constantine’s this super sub sealed the day for India. Soon after he made the pitch, Balwant outplayed his marker, attempted four headers throughout the second half.

The 30-year-old was the trump card India had in the second half. His header off a Narayan Das cross was planted in the net to perfection. He then added to his tally after Gurpreet's long punt forward was comically defended by the Macanese defence.

Germanpreet Singh - NA (didn't play enough minutes to feature)

Jackichand Singh - NA (didn't play enough minutes to feature)