Player Ratings: Sahal, Thapa excel as India defeat Mongolia in Hero Intercontinental Cup

The Blue Tigers rode on two early goals to seal the tie.

India kicked off their 2023 Hero Intercontinental Cup with a compelling 2-0 win over Mongolia at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Friday. The Blue Tigers started the game in emphatic fashion, with Sahal Abdul Samad finishing off a slick team move in the second minute itself.

Igor Stimac’s side refused to let down the intensity and doubled the lead in the 14th minute, thanks to a stylish finish from close range from Lallianzuala Chhangte. The Blue Tigers tested the goalkeeper with a few attempts after that, but neither scored nor conceded to start the campaign with a solid win. Here are the Player Ratings from the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-jF5HQrUD0

India player ratings (By Uttiyo Sarkar)

Amrinder Singh - 6.0

Wasn’t really tested much, but Amrinder did well with his distribution and cutting out Mongolia’s long-ball tactics.

Nikhil Poojary – 6.5

Poojary got a rare start for India and made a pretty solid impression. Defensively solid and added more depth going forward, making some great runs and passing the ball forward well.

Anwar Ali – 7.0

Ali played a role in the opener, as he played a great pass to send Thapa through on goal. After that, he maintained his composure and sturdiness at the back – coming up some necessary clearances and challenges to neutralize the opposition’s threat.  

Sandesh Jhingan – 7.5

Jhingan maintained a no-nonsense style at the back, marshalling a very compact backline that refused to allow the Mongolia attackers any space. Also played a role in the second, with his header causing the chaos before Chhangte scored.

Akash Mishra – 6.0

Mishra was a proactive figure at the back, putting in a lot of work by going up and down the left. Didn’t allow Mongolia much space to create through his side by being defensively solid, but not really able to create much on the other end.

Lalengmawia Ralte – 6.5

Apuia helped maintain the intensity in midfield for India, progressing the ball forward really well with his accurate passes. Helped regain possession, tucked in with crunching challenges, and helped his side control the game without any issues.

Anirudh Thapa – 8.5

The experienced midfielder continuously made clever off-the-ball runs to cause trouble and set up the opener with a precise delivery. Influenced the second with a great set piece and kept troubling the opponents with his fantastic delivery through set pieces and crosses.  

Sahul Abdul Samad – 9

Sahal had a dream start, smartly slotting a shot past multiple bodies for the opener. Started toying with the Mongolian players soon after, carrying the ball forward and creating impressive chances. Entertained the fans with his exciting style and had a superb 60-minute showing.

Udanta Singh – 5.0

Udanta made some great runs through the right, testing the defenders with is pace and incisiveness – but failed to create anything big. Had a chance to score in the second half which he blasted over the bar and was taken off soon after.

Lallianzuala Chhangte – 8.5

Chhangte started from the left, but troubled Mongolia with smart movement in the final third. He pounced on some lazy defending with a smart finish for his strike to double India’s lead. A menacing figure in the final third after that, linking up well with teammates and always trying to test the keeper.

Sunil Chhetri – 6.0

Chhetri had a quiet game by his standards. Did well with the link-up play with his teammates and created some nice moves, but not really able to test the keeper.

Substitutes

Rohit Kumar – 7.0

Kumar was an energetic figure who helped maintain high energy levels for India in the last 30 minutes. Helped his side control the game and stop counter-attacks, as he also struck the post late on to nearly make it 3-0.

Naorem Mahesh Singh – 6.0

Mahesh was pretty disciplined on the left, making some clever movement into the final third and testing the defenders with his pace. Not really able to create anything major, though.

Jeakson Singh – 6.0

Helped to protect India from counter-attacks or breaks, helping his side defend for the last bit o the game.

Rahim Ali – N/R

Ali used his physicality to help link up some nice attacks towards the final 20 minutes or so, but unable to get in any shots on goal.

Mehtab Singh – N/R

Mehtab had a late cameo in which he ensured India kept their clean sheet.

Mongolia Player Ratings (By Suraj)

Munkh-Erdene Enkhtaivan - 5

Had very little to do except for the two shots that led to goals. Made a good reaction save to Rohit's header. Came out of his line quite a few times without the best clearances or passes to follow it up.

Bat-Orgil Gerelt-Od - 8

Arguably Mongolia's best player of the night. Played the offside trap well and made good passes. Also played from the back decently.

Munkh-Orgil Orkhon- 5

Several mispasses while playing from the back that ruined possessions. Had an improved second half.

Purevdorj Bayarstsengel - 6

Blew hot and cold. Made some strong tackles, but also some harsh ones and bad decision-making.

Amaraa Dulguun - 4

Escaped a clear foul that should have led to an India penalty. Was substituted early on in the match.

Baljinnyam Batmonkh - 6

Made a few good tackles and made his presence in the game known. Deserved a penalty after he was fouled by Anwar Ali following a good touch in the box.

Tsend-Ayuush Khurelbata -  7

Although he made a few mispasses, his insane pressing was Mongolia's best chance of creating threats. Kept the ball moving whenever he got it.

Tserenbat Baasanjav - 5

Failed to make his presence known. Made multiple inaccurate passes.

Batbold Baljinnyam - 6

Aided Bat-Orgil in keeping India's right flank silent as Ayush and Udanta kept trying to play throughs and progress through the right. A somber performance.

Baatartsogt Namsrai - 5

Played upfront but received very little service. Jhingan kept him quiet for the most part. But managed to contribute by pressing high and with energy.

Ganbold Ganbayar - 6

Ganbayar kept play ticking down the wings. But also ruined a promising counter-attack. Decent defensive contribution in the attacking phase.

Substitutes:

Amgalanbat - 4

Arguably the worst player on the pitch. Consistently sloppy in both attack and defence. Failed to detect several runs and also ruined progressions.

Uuganbat - 5

Silent performance. Contributed decently defensively.

Gantogtokh - N/A

Munkh-Erdene - 6

Made a vital headed clearance after the goalkeeper's reaction save towards the end of the game, and also seemed to pose a better physical challenge to Jhingan than starter Namsrai up top.