India clinched the Tri-Nation International Football title with a 2-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic in the final match at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on Tuesday. Sandesh Jhingan and Sunil Chhetri scored the goals for the host, which finished the tournament with two wins and one draw.
The match started with both teams playing cautiously, trying to avoid mistakes and create chances. Kyrgyz Republic had more possession and looked threatening with their quick counter-attacks, but India defended well and denied them any clear opportunities. India also created some chances of their own, with Chhetri and Udanta Singh combining well on the right flank.
The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute, when Jhingan rose highest to head in a corner from Anirudh Thapa. The defender celebrated his 50th cap for India with a powerful header that gave the Kyrgyz goalkeeper no chance. India took a 1-0 lead into the break, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The second half saw Kyrgyz Republic increase their intensity and press for an equalizer. They had a couple of shots from distance that tested Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, but the Indian custodian was up to the task. India also had some chances to extend their lead, with Chhetri and Manvir Singh missing from close range.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute, when Chhetri doubled India's lead with a brilliant solo goal. The captain received a pass from Thapa in his own half and ran past three defenders before slotting the ball past the keeper with his left foot. It was his 78th goal for India, making him the second-highest active international goalscorer in the world.
Kyrgyz Republic tried to stage a late comeback, but India held on to their clean sheet and secured a 2-0 win. The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the players and the fans, who celebrated India's first trophy under Stimac. India also extended their unbeaten run against Kyrgyz Republic to three matches, having won one and drawn one in the previous encounters.
India will now shift their focus to the Asian Cup qualifiers, where they will face Oman and Afghanistan in June. Kyrgyz Republic will also play in the same group, along with Bangladesh. Both teams will hope to build on their performances in the Tri-Nation International and qualify for the continental tournament.