Chhangte’s Denied Goal. India’s 4-2 Loss to Malaysia at the Merdeka Tournament
In a match filled with controversial refereeing decisions, India fell 2-4 to Malaysia, ending their Merdeka tournament campaign. Naorem Mahesh Singh and Sunil Chhetri scored for India, but the team’s performance was overshadowed by a series of contentious calls.
Malaysia took an early lead with Dion Cools scoring in the seventh minute, but India quickly responded with Naorem Mahesh Singh’s 13th-minute equalizer. A penalty awarded to Malaysia in the 20th minute and another goal by Faisal Halim put them ahead 3-1 at halftime.
Sunil Chhetri brought India back into the game with a goal in the 52nd minute. However, controversy arose when Lallianzuala Chhangte’s clear goal was denied, despite replays showing it had crossed the line. Malaysia sealed their victory with Corbin Ong’s goal in the 61st minute.
India’s performance was marred by questionable refereeing decisions and a rough pitch and shaky defence in first half. Despite these challenges, the Indian team displayed a commendable effort in second half.
The Merdeka Cup, known as the ‘mini Asia Cup,’ features only three teams, with Tajikistan as the third contender, following Palestine’s last-minute withdrawal. Malaysia will now face Tajikistan in the final on October 17.
India’s performance in the Merdeka Tournament left fans with mixed feelings. Here’s a closer look at what went wrong and what went right:
What Went Wrong:
- Questionable Substitutions: The decision to start with Suresh and Rohit instead of Jeakson and Thapa didn’t pay off. A change in midfield personnel might have yielded a different outcome.
- Apuia’s Absence: Apuia’s exclusion raised eyebrows as he’s considered one of the best defensive midfielders in excellent form. Ensuring the best players are on the field should take precedence over ego clashes.
- Refereeing Blunders: Two major refereeing errors marred the game, with a questionable goal and a missed handball call inside the box affecting the outcome.
- Defensive Pairing: The Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali pairing appeared to be the most effective in defence. Anwar’s ball-playing abilities made a significant difference compared to Mehtab’s contributions.
- Poor Pitch Conditions: The game was played on a field that resembled a paddy field, with grass literally coming out. This significantly impacted the quality of play and added to the challenges faced by both teams.
What Went Right:
- Sahal’s Form: Sahal demonstrated good form, offering hope for India’s midfield. His performance added a positive note to the tournament.
- Mahesh’s Vision: Naorem Mahesh Singh showcased remarkable vision and game awareness, providing creativity in midfield, reminiscent of Brandon’s role in the national team.
- Chhangte’s Brilliance: Lallianzuala Chhangte’s outstanding performance in the tournament deserves recognition. His contribution on the field was a standout feature.
Standout Performers:
Both Naorem Mahesh Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte emerged as the main performers for India in the Merdeka Tournament. Mahesh’s vision and Chhangte’s brilliance made a significant impact on the team’s overall performance.
Overall Observations:
- The pitch conditions and refereeing decisions were unfavorable, making the game challenging for both teams.
- A more creative midfielder is needed in the squad to reduce the overreliance on wing-based attacks and add versatility to the team’s playing style.
- Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali’s partnership appeared to be the most effective for the defense. This pairing should be considered for future matches.
In summary, India’s Merdeka Tournament journey had its share of missed opportunities, standout performances, and challenges related to pitch conditions. Learning from these experiences and addressing areas of concern will be crucial for the national team’s future success.
