Balwant Singh's winner helps India sink Mauritius 2-1

AIFF Media

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India began their Tri-Nation Series campaign with a 2-1 win against Mauritius at the Mumbai Football Arena on Saturday. Mervyn Jocelyn gave the visiting team the lead in the 15th minute, while Robin Singh brought India back by scoring in the 37th minute. India's winner came from second-half substitute Balwant Singh in the 62nd minute.

Slow start

India, playing together for the first time in over two months found it difficult to get their rhythm going early on. Mauritius dominated possession and attacked fluently down the left, where they harried right-back Pritam Kotal all evening long. It was through the left that they initiated the attack that led to Jocelyn's goal -- although a deflection off Anas Edathodika made it virtually impossible for goalkeeper Subrata Pal to do anything -- and that was when the senior members of the Indian team needed to step up.

Robin's redemption

Robin Singh then scored off a well-timed run that took him past his marker, to make it level at the break. Robin was leading the frontline in the absence of Sunil Chhetri with Jeje Lalpekhlua partnering him in a 4-4-2. It was Rowllin Borges' through ball that dissected the Mauritius defence, who were playing a high defensive line for most part of the match. It was Robin's first goal for India since his brace against Sri Lanka at the SAFF Championship in Trivandrum in December 2015.

Robin's impressive first half show should mean he will be a prime contender for a start against Macau, India's next opponents in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. His height and strength kept the Mauritian defence on its toes through the first half after which he was substituted for Balwant Singh.

The experimentations continue

Constantine continued with his changes to the team, handing debuts to goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, winger Nikhil Poojary and striker Manvir Singh in the process. The most effective change would prove to be Balwant, who in his second appearance for India scored his debut International goal which turned out to be the winner for the night.

His goal was created from midfield, with a subdued Lyngdoh providing the perfect through ball for Jeje, whose first touch flick let Balwant through on goal with only the keeper to beat. Much like Robin, Balwant finished well, placing the ball low and wide of the goalkeeper, and India were on their way to their ninth consecutive win (which also includes an unofficial friendly against Bhutan)

The newcomers impress

Second-half substitute Amrinder was a commanding presence between the sticks often helping offset a poor outing for the full-backs, who were consistently beaten by the pace and skill of the Mauritius wingers. He kept the equaliser away after being under constant pressure in the last 10 minutes when Mauritius began throwing more players forward. 

Poojary was a lot more incisive on the right wing than Jackichand, whom he replaced, and Manvir nearly capped off his debut with a delightful goal over the goalkeeper, but his effort just failed to dip enough.

India must now hope for a more consistent performance from their defence -- which conceded its first goal in three games -- in their next game. They play St Kitts & Nevis next on August 24, before their AFC Asian Cup qualifier away to Macau on September 5.