India 2-2 Myanmar: 5 talking points from the game

India had earlier ensured their qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup after the 4-1 win against Macau. On Tuesday, they faced Myanmar in Goa in what was a do-or-die match for Myanmar, who needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The away side started strongly, scoring with their first attack of the game. India equalized through a Sunil Chhetri penalty. However, Myanmar struck again and held the lead for a long period of the game before an excellent finish by Jeje Lalpekhlua ensured that the points will be shared on the night.

Let us now take a look at five major talking points from the match!

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#1 Complacent start by India

Myanmar scored just 13 seconds into the game

Was it the hangover of the qualification to the 2019 Asian Cup? India had the worst start possible as Myanmar, who kicked off the match, took just 13 seconds to find the net with a cross from the left.

The defenders were having a bad day as their errors gave Myanmar some early chances to increase their lead, with keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu making some fine saves. The slow start to the game surely cost India two points in the group.

#2 Sunil Chhetri's experience keeps India in the game

Chhetri led the charge again for India

The most experienced player in the Indian squad came to the rescue once again when his side needed him the most. Early in the game, India found it difficult to cope with the pressure created by Myanmar.

However, Chhetri scored the equalizer through a penalty and helped in creating the second goal. If it was not for Jeje's mistake in the indirect freekick situation, Chhetri could have also got the winning goal for India.

The Indian skipper was a constant threat for the Myanmar goalkeeper and kept the hopes of his team alive in the game.

#3 Jhingan-Anas partnership looked out of sorts

Anas Edathodika was not his usual assured self

Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika are two of the most celebrated defenders in India, and both of them have been exceptional for their respective clubs.

Their pairing is a strong one in the centre of the defence but today, it was lacking in coordination and allowed the Myanmar attack to run riot, which resulted in a number of chances for the opposition to attack.

With the ISL season ready to start, it will be interesting to see if the two stalwarts are able to find their feet and shine for their respective sides.

#4 Myanmar worked hard to press India

Sandesh Jhingan did not have the best of outings

It was a must-win game for Myanmar if they had to keep their hopes alive of qualification for the AFC Asian Cup. They started to attack the Indian goal from the start of the match and found the goal in just 13 seconds.

They punched above their weight and pressured India into making errors. They pressed to regain the possession back and catch the Indian defenders off guard. However, their efforts went in vain as India snatched a 2-2 draw as Jeje produced a stunning finish.

#1 Crucial indirect free-kick opportunity missed

Image courtesy: Hotstar

The Indian side got a golden opportunity to score in the dying moments of the game to seal the game. A missplaced backpass from the Myanmar defender won the Indians an indirect free kick in the Myanmar penalty box.

Sunil Chhetri was successful in curling in the ball to the top corner, but the Indians couldn't claim the goal as Jeje, who took the touch, failed to get the ball rolling.

As a result, it counted as a direct freekick from the Indian captain and the referee disallowed the goal, which meant India missed a golden chance to win the game.