Jordan 2-1 India: 9 instances that prove friendly was nothing more than a soap opera

#2 Gurpreet’s save and blunder

Gurpreet played well despite the blunder

Indian custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was given the responsibility to lead his national team in the absence of Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhinghan. Gurpreet has all the ability to lead a side and he did so in the match, save one costly mistake.

Jordan goalkeeper Amer Shafi kicked the ball from his own box and the ball dropped just the edge off Indian goalmouth. For unknown reasons, Gurpreet was way ahead of his line and even after his best effort, he could only get a tip on the ball which dropped awkwardly and went into the net.

Before that, Gurpreet saved a controversial penalty of Bani Atiyeh which earned him praise from his teammates and coach. He also made a couple of good saves later on. But that one goal proved to be the difference between the two sides.

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#1 Nishu Kumar - the debutant scores but India unable to convert a last-gasp equaliser

About an hour in the match, Constantine replaced Jackichand Singh and introduced Nishu Kumar, the latest player to make his debut in the national colours.

Nishu made his opportunity count and reduced the margin within three minutes after coming off the bench. Germanpreet Singh provided a low cross from the left which caught Jordan defenders off guard and an unmarked Nishu poked the ball into the net.

Nishu has already made a name for himself after his ISL performance with Bengaluru FC. He even scored a screamer against Jamshedpur in the first match of his team. He is a natural right-back but can play in the right wing also.

Constantine’s decision to give chances to youngsters are already bearing fruit and Nishu’s performance was the latest example.