The Indian senior men’s team defeated Vanuatu 1-0 to secure a spot in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023, which was held on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. It was the Blue Tigers’ seventh consecutive home victory, which included six clean sheets.
Sunil Chhetri’s spectacular 86th international goal for India finally ended the game after a dominant 80 minutes in which the hosts generated innumerable opportunities but lacked the cutting edge.
The Blue Tigers’ misfired shots were in the opening half. Liston Colaco and Nandhakumar fired over the bar from long range as Vanuatu sat tight at the back in the early minutes.
Sunil Chhetri also missed two wonderful chances, first heading over a fine-looking Kotal cross from the right before failing to connect correctly with Mahesh’s looping throw just before halftime.
Stimac gave Mahesh his first start for the Blue Tigers, and he was the creator of most of India’s chances. The East Bengal player sent a fantastic through pass for his new club colleague Nandhakumar, who could only shoot wide. Liston, who had previously missed a half-decent opportunity by skying a Chhetri lay-off, ultimately had India’s first shot on target.
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