On Sunday, at the Kalinga Stadium, India defeated a young Lebanon team 2-0 to win the Intercontinental Cup.
Lebanon held India to a goalless draw in their final league match, but India stepped up its efforts to find the breakthrough.
India's struggles to close out games carried over into the first session, which was otherwise fruitless. The home team had a few chances but couldn't capitalize.
Ashique Kuruniyan went down inside the Lebanon box after being tripped by an opposing defender, Hussain Zain, and India immediately appealed loudly for a penalty. India continued its futile pursuit of the goal, but the referee ignored their protests.
In the 16th minute, Chhetri received a pass from Sahal Abdul Samad, who had dribbled past two Lebanon players. The Indian captain dove for the ball, but the Lebanon defence got there in the first minute after switching ends.
The Indians' camp got a boost of energy from the goal and set out to find more.
India's second victory over Lebanon came after a gap of 46 years. Hence the victory also ended a long losing streak against the Middle Eastern country.
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