AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers: Kyrgyz Republic vs India, 5 Talking Points

The Indians were pegged back from the very start.

Baimetov lucky to stay on the pitch

Baimetov could consider himself a lucky man.

The Kyrgyz captain and their most experienced defender Azamat Baimatov was booked for handball in the 15th minute.

However, India can perhaps count themselves unlucky that it wasn't a straight red. The Blues were looking to get back on level terms and while attempting a particular attack, Baimatov came out of his area in earnest to meet the ball, but ended up handling it with a clear, raised arm.

Jeje Lalpekhlua had managed to get behind him and would have probably taken the ball in his stride if not for Baimatov's intervention. There was certainly an argument to be made here that a clear, goal-scoring chance was denied, thanks to the handball.

Edited by Soumo Ghosh