Highlights AFC Asian Cup qualifier, India vs Kyrgyz Republic: Sunil Chhetri helps India see off Kyrgyz Republic

Another look at the Sunil Chhetri winner!

#INDvKGZ #stunner #herewecome #sunilchetri #bleedblue pic.twitter.com/3fgHO3AREU

— Sameer Shah (@pakaamat) June 13, 2017

Another look at the Sunil Chhetri winner!

#INDvKGZ #stunner #herewecome #sunilchetri #bleedblue pic.twitter.com/3fgHO3AREU

— Sameer Shah (@pakaamat) June 13, 2017

This should now mean a ticket to UAE 2019 barring some gigantic cock-up in the next four games. #INDvKGZ

— Akarsh Sharma (@Akarsh_Official) June 13, 2017

Anas Edathodika was immense at the heart of India’s defence, here’s what he had to say after the match!

Congratulations @IndianFootball fantastic win, @chetrisunil11 @SandeshJhingan & @GurpreetGK were superb, thanks guys #INDVKGZ #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/QkLoQBFJmZ

— Minerva Academy Football Club (@minervapunjabfc) June 13, 2017

CONGRATS @IndianFootball !!#India beat #Kyrgyzstan 1-0 in #AFCAsianCupQualifiers.#INDvKGZ #KGZ #BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/u6IJZAEYw2

— Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल (@DDNational) June 13, 2017

For those who missed it, Here’s the decisive moment!

@chetrisunil11 you beauty! Big result! Congratulations! Proud of the boys @IndianFootball! Top of the group! 8 in a row! #ACQ2019 #INDvKGZ

— Sudipto Ganguly (@Sudipto_Reuters) June 13, 2017

Thanks to this win, @IndianFootball will jump 3 places to 97 in FIFA Rankings. Official ranks release on July 1st. #INDvKGZ #AFC2019

— Prasad Bhutkar (@marcinthegooner) June 13, 2017

FT : #India 1-0 #Kyrgyzstan

What a win. What a goal. What a night! #indvkgz #indianfootball pic.twitter.com/pkx4eNbqLV

— football news india (@fni) June 13, 2017

What a win! The team is coming of age. Talking of age that's just a number for @chetrisunil11. Kudos to Constantine and Co #INDvKGZ #ACQ2019

— Kaushal Shukla (@KasualShukla) June 13, 2017

. @chetrisunil11 bhai. What a beauty! Brilliant all around from @IndianFootball today. Onwards and upwards, boys! #INDvKGZ #AsianDream

— CK Vineeth (@ckvineeth) June 13, 2017

Building for bigger things! 

3 consecutive clean sheets and 8 consecutive wins now for the @IndianFootball team. #BackTheBlue #INDvKGZ

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) June 13, 2017

3 POINTS!
A @chetrisunil11 goal takes us a step closer to the @afcasiancup with a win over Kyrgyz Rep.!#INDvKGZ #AsianDream #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/f78xdmLvfB

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 13, 2017

Celebrations at the Kanteerava stadium!

What a win. What a night! #INDvKGZ #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/lK0b8PPVzY

— football news india (@fni) June 13, 2017

FT India 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic

India get over the line. Massive three points for the home side who weather man storms to claim a narrow win. Sunil Chhetri was once again the man for India as his winner in the 72nd minute made all the difference. The hosts rode their luck at times, but the hard work they put in the game, they were deserved winners in the end. Party atmosphere at the Kateerava stadium as India India stans echo in the stands. India three points clear at top of Group A

MISS! Robin Singh squanders a great chance to double India’s lead after Sunil Chhetri does brilliantly well to play him on goal. India just a minute away from three massive points

Four minutes added on by the referee. India almost there

Sunil Chhetri is adjudged the Man of the Match. Truly deserving. Will his goal be the winner?

80’ India 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic

India still not home and dry as Kyrgyz Republic continue to create chances. However, there is a spring in India’s step as the visitors tire out. India would do with a second to kill the game off. Big last ten minutes for India

SAVE! Gurpreet comes to make a vital block as Kyrgyz Republic had made an opening. Two Indian defenders rush to cover the line but the final effort is wide

75’ India 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic

India finding spaces in behind the Kyrgyz Republic defence now as the visitors go for the equaliser. Jeje has been excellent, has worked so hard to lead the line for  India. Some fresh legs in form of Bikash Jairu is also helping the, However, the India rearguard will have to be wary of the Kyrgyz onslaught

The roof is off Kanteerava stadium!

Goalll​ who else !! @chetrisunil11 #INDvKGZ pic.twitter.com/pjTtgMAeUU

— football news india (@fni) June 13, 2017

GOAL!! India 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic SUNIL CHHETRI SCORES!

What a fantastic counter attack from India and Sunil Chhetri is once again at the heart of it. He made the goal with his skill and tenacity and Jeje did well to play him in. Brilliant goal from India

IND change: Rowlin Borges OFF Mohammed Rafique ON

Live: https://t.co/qhEcKBeq0a #ACQ2019 #IndianFootball #INDvKGZ

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 13, 2017

The referee getting some stick in Bengaluru!

WBB has a few things to tell the ref. #INDvKGZ pic.twitter.com/d6SYIkw4hr

— football news india (@fni) June 13, 2017

60’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

OFF THE LINE! India get out of jail. Kyrgyz open India once again way too eaily. But somehow India make vital blocks on the line. India living dangerously here. Visitors on top

55’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Big chances at both ends. The visitors unlucky not to take the lead as Akhlidin hit the post after completely opening up the Indian defence. But a clearance from Rowling Borges saw Jackichand almost get in on goal. Minutes later, Holicharan Narzary put in a dangerous cross which fell to Sunil Chhetri who couldn’t apply the finishing touch. Can’t help but feel a goal is coming

LUCKY! India survive a huge scare. Akhlidin hits the post

Live: https://t.co/qhEcKBeq0a #ACQ2019 #IndianFootball #INDvKGZ

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 13, 2017

50’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

The visitors have made a really good start to the second half, dominating the possession. Indian defence is hanging on a bit

CHANCE! Jeje is played in on goal. The striker creates space for a shot but hits it straight to the goalkeeper. Big chance for the home side at the start

Second Half starts! No changes to either sides

The players are walking out on the field again. Second half to begin soon

Live: https://t.co/qhEcKBeq0a #ACQ2019 #IndianFootball #INDvKGZ

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 13, 2017

After an intense first half, who do you think was @IndianFootball team's standout player? #BackTheBlue #INDvKGZ pic.twitter.com/KMNcBslfnT

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) June 13, 2017

It's Half Time, and while we've had our fair share of chances, we go in level. #INDvKGZ #AsianDream #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/CqzGE3kjxm

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 13, 2017

HT: India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

HT India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Good half. India have decently well so far

Live: https://t.co/qhEcKBeq0a #ACQ2019 #IndianFootball #INDvKGZ

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 13, 2017

SAVE! Excellent save from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu at the end of 1st half to keep scores even

3 minutes of stoppage time at the end of the 1st half

40’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

India progressing well on the flanks, but the wide men haven’t really produced the quality required to make the difference. Through the middle, Kyrgyz Republic have had the upper hand.

35’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Chances coming for India now. Chhetri and Jeje looking dangerous

SAVE! Jeje produces a big save from the GK. Chhetri picks him out cleverly

Live: https://t.co/qhEcKBeq0a #ACQ2019 #IndianFootball #INDvKGZ

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 13, 2017

30’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Good game this. Kyrgyz Republic get a free kick inside the box after Gurpreet handles a back pass. Although the referee seems to have made a mistake in awarding that to the visitors. Kyrgyz Republic create couple of openings from that attack, but their finishing lets them down. The captain has another effort from range, but that hardly troubles Gurpreet. India meanwhile profit due to some sloppy passing from the visitors and Sunil Chhetri realeases Jeje on goal. He takes too much time on the ball and the chance is gone

Gurpreet handles a back pass. Didn't look one though. Kyrgyz with a chance

Live: https://t.co/qhEcKBeq0a #ACQ2019 #IndianFootball #INDvKGZ

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 13, 2017

25’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Much better from India. Jackichand is released on the right side. The East Bengal winger delivers an early cross which is weakly cleared. The ball falls to him inside the box, but his shot is weak and wayvard. At the other end, Kyrgyz Republic try to penetrate the Indian rearguard, but some good defending from Pritam Kotal saves the day for the hosts. India once again get Jackichand in space on the right and he delivers a deep cross in the box. Sunil Chhetri fails to make a good connection allowing Holicharan to strike, but the angle was too tight and the goalkeeper made the save. India on top now

20’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

India have come into the game in the last five minutes. The hosts are beginning to see more of the ball. All passes in the box are directed at Jeje, but the Kyrgyz defence has so far done well to keep him away from their goal. India trying to carve out an opening but the visitors are sitting back and not offering any kind of space to the hosts

15’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

SAVE! Gurpreet gets down quickly to his right side to deny the Kyrgyz captain Murzaev Mirlan who made space for a shot from the dge of the area. India going forward in patches, but the visitors are controlling it at the moment

10’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

India with a bit of possession after the visitors peppered their box with a few set pieces. However, Kyrgyz players smother the attack and get back on the ball. India are struggling to find any joy on the longer route with no Robin Singh in the team. The hosts are yet to settle into a rhythm

5’ India 0-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Nervous start from India after Gurpreet Singh Sandhu comes off his line to thwart a Kyrgyz attack. Anton Zemlianukhin comes off worse in the clash and is stretched off. Big stoppage in the match. The visitors have a shot deflected for a corner. India defend it well but only at the expense of another one. Gurpreet punches it clear as the danger is passed. Good start from the visitors

Beautiful scenes at the Sree Kanteerava stadium

What a tifo pulled up by @WestBlockBlues ! Hats off to you guys #BackTheBlue #AsianDream #INDvKGZ pic.twitter.com/ewl0yWU9jo

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 13, 2017

KICK OFF! Nervous start from India. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu comes flying off his line and fouls the Kyrgyz striker. Free kick for the visitors

Time for the national anthems!

#INDvKGZ https://t.co/k0yeLPbpSw

— football news india (@fni) June 13, 2017

The teams are walking out in the middle as a huge roar greets the players in Bengaluru. The big kick-off isn’t far away now

Just ten minutes to kick off. Here’s the Head to Head record between the two teams

Played: 3

India wins: 2

Kyrgyz Republic wins: 1

Big call to leave out Robin Singh in such a big match. But Holicharan has always stepped up when given a chance. Hopeful. #INDvKGZ #ACQ2019

— Kaushal Shukla (@KasualShukla) June 13, 2017

Stephen Constantine: I’m glad Sunil Chhetri is back. He is an important player for us. This is an important test for us and if we win this game it will be a big step forward

LINE-UPS:

India XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika, Sandesh Jhingan, Narayan Das, Rowlin Borges, Jackichand Singh, Eugenson Lyngdoh, Sunil Chhetri (C), Holicharan Narzary, Jeje Lalpekhlua

Kyrgyz Republic: Pavel (GK), Iliaz, Amanbek, Kozubaev, Victor, Mirlan (C), Akhlidin, Vitalij, Baktyiar, Farkhat, Anton

TEAMS ANNOUNCED! 

@chetrisunil11 leads the line as we go into the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Kyrgyz Rep.
Kick Off at 8#INDvKGZ #AsianDream #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/hJp52Ai3Rc

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 13, 2017

AFC Asian Cup qualifiers: India’s new-found zest faces stern test against confident Kyrgyz Republichttp://www.firstpost.com

Here is the last time India played at the Sree Kanteerva stadiumin a major qualifying match. A bit of magic from Robin Singh

And Robin with this super strike vs #Guam that earned us the only win the 2018 World Cup Qualifier Group stage. #INDVKGZ pic.twitter.com/Zbap4hg5V8

— football news india (@fni) June 13, 2017

Sandesh Jhingan has been a rock in the Indian defence in the last few years. The towering center back also showed off his shooting skills when he netted an absolute scorching half-volley against Nepal. Can he help India to a third straight clean sheet against Kyrgyz Republic?

Jeje Lalpekhlua has been prolific in front of goal for India of late. He scored in the 2-0 win over Nepal last week Can he keep his scoring streak going against Kyrgyz Republic?

Will @jejefanai find the net today? #INDvKGZ #BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/93O988NsYW

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 13, 2017

One match at a time says Indian coach Stephen Constantine as he arrives at the venue. Can’t help but feel today’s game against Kyrgyz Republic is the biggest one of the lot

We are taking one match at a time, says @StephenConstan on arrival. @StarFootball #INDvKGZ #BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/dqg6j3C11w

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 13, 2017

Indian captain who’s fit again having recovered from a hamstring injury arriving at the Sree Kanteerva stadium ahead of the big game

We arrive. #INDvKGZ #BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/gKo84jjaUr

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 13, 2017

Hello and welcome to Live coverage of Group A encounter in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers between India and Kyrgyz Republic at the Sree Kanteerva stadium in Bengaluru. India on the back of seventh straight wins go into the game with wind in their sails, but a strong Kygyz Republic is sure to test their resurgence. The visitors are ranked 32 places below the hosts in the Fifa rankings, but there is hardly anything to choose between the two sides on paper. The winners will open up a three point gap at the top of Group A and strengthen their claim of making to the finals.

It promises to be an intriguing match between the two top sides in the group, so stick around for all the updates from Bengaluru