Top three performers from India's 1-1 draw against Malaysia

Four Indian players made their debut in this match

Indian senior football team’s winless run continues. The Blue Tigers played a 1-1 draw with the Malaysian football team in a friendly match at the GMC Balayogi Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday. 

Malaysia netted the first goal of the match. In the 18th minute of the game, Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu misjudged a long aerial ball and missed the headed clearance. Paulo Josue, the Malaysian forward, put the ball into the empty net. 

The Blue Tigers found the equalizer in the 39th minute. Brandon’s perfect cross found the head of defender Rahul Bheke, who netted it for the equalizer. Irfan Yadwad, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jithin MS, and Vibin Mohanan made their debuts for the national team. 

Let us discuss the top three performers from the match.

Anwar Ali

Anwar Ali’s crucial interceptions saved the day against Vietnam on 13th October. He replicated that performance against Malaysia. Anwar made several vital blocks in defense and denied Harimau Malaya’s attacking side. 

His first critical block came in the 18th minute of the game when he stopped Sergio Fabian’s first-time shot in front of the goal. He also played a role in Rahul Bheke’s goal. His long pass to Lallianzuala Chhangte earned the Blue Tigers a corner, which Rahul Bheke converted for the equalizer. Anwar also attempted a header in the 40th minute but went over the crossbar. 

Rahul Bheke

Rahul Bheke saved the day for the Blue Tigers, despite the defender’s attempt to halt the Malaysian team’s counterattack, earning him a yellow card in the 24th minute.

He escaped his marker and headed Brandon’s corner into the goal in the 38th minute. This marked India’s fourth goal of the year. The defender had a busy day, as most of Malaysia’s first-half attacks came from his side. 

Brandon Fernandes

Brandon Fernandes played a crucial role in the attacking midfield. His perfect corner in the 38th minute helped the Blue Tigers equalize. He was creative and consistently tried to find the forwards with his crosses.

Controlling the midfield was greatly aided by his ability to regain possession and distribute the ball effectively. For his performance, Brandon was awarded the Player of the Match.

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