Chhetri stars as Team India win

LISBON: Riding high on Sunil Chettri’s brace, India registered a facile 3-1 victory over Portuguese second division side, União Desportiva da Serra in the first practice match of the week played at the Pope John Paul II stadium, Fatima here on Wednesday evening. 

Sushil Kumar Singh bagged the third goal before União Desportiva da Serra midfielder Pedro cancelled out Sunil Chettri’s strike to bring his side back to the level terms. 

India started off impressively and made numerous inroads in the opponent citadel and finally their hard work was paid off in the 35th minute with Kansas City Wizards striker, Chettri heading in Anthony Pereira’s cross from the left flank. 

India successfully held their one goal advantage and went for the breather with a 1-0 precarious lead. 

India made three changes prior to the start of second session; Clifford Miranda came in for Steven Dias, while Mehrajuddin Wadoo made his way in the midfield replacing Climax Lawrence. Abhisekh Yadav joined Chettri up front replacing Mohammed Rafi but hardly second half grew older by couple of minutes, the Mumbai FC striker suffered a knee injury and was replaced by Sushil Kumar Singh. 

India gave away the lead in the 56th minute conceding a spot kick, on which Pedro made no mistake to bring the host back in to the match. 

Chettri was soon in thick of actions and completed his brace heading in Sushil Kumar Singh’s cross in the 75th minute to put India back in front , while five minutes later Sushil registered his name in the score sheet heading in James Singh’s flag-kick to seal an impressive victory for Bob Houghton coached side.