India edge past Chinese Taipei

Robin nets winner in injury time

India struck the winner in the injury time through striker Robin Singh as they began their AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers campaign with a 2-1 victory over Chinese Taipei here on Saturday.

Robin, who came in as late substitute for Jewel Raja Shaikh, scored the winning goal in the 91st minute after Chinese Taipei had cancelled out the Indian lead in the 54th minute through Lee Tai Lin. Jewel Raja had given India the lead in the 40th minute of an assist from captain Sunil Chhetri at the Youth Training Centre ground.

Robin, who took the field in the 82nd minute, headed in the winner by connecting a fine cross from the right by midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi. India began the match in a 4-5-1 formation, with goalkeeper Subrata Paul, defenders Nirmal Chettri and Gurjinder Kumar and midfielder Jewel Raja making in the starting line-up. In fact, it was the debut international match for Gurjinder.

Coach Wim Koevermans left out goalkeeper Sandip Nandy, Denzil Franco and Alwyn George from the starting line-up in the friendly against Palestine in Pune early last month which India had lost 2-4. India started as the better of the two teams and kept the ball, playing short, probing  passes.

It was, however, the Chinese Taipei who had the first chance of the game in the 13th minute when they got a free-kick from around 25 yards. India goalkeeper Paul had to dive to the full to pull off a stunning save of the shot of midfielder Su De Cai.

After a series of raids at the rival citadel, India surged ahead in the 40th minute. Jewel Raja, who was playing with one-twos with Chhetri, slipped past two rival defenders, trapped Chhetri’s through pass and sent it past the rival goalkeeper Lun Kun Chi.

Chinese Taipei regrouped after change of ends and cancelled out India’s half time 1-0 lead in the 54th minute with Lee Tai Lin heading in Su De Cai’s corner.

Nabi’s entry in the 68th minute in place of Francis Fernandes gave India renewed vigour with the nippy midfielder making his usual run-downs at the flanks before releasing teasing crosses.

Koevermans brought in Robin in place of Jewel Raja in the 82nd minute and their wait for the winner ended in the first minute of injury time when Robin leapt high to head in Nabi’s centre from the right. India play their second match against Guam on March 4.