Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian men’s senior football team defeated Lebanon 2-0 to lift the Hero Intercontinental Cup at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday. Talisman Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte were on target for the Blue Tigers. The honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik announced a cash award of Rs. one crore for the Indian team for being the champions.
Sunil Chhetri found the back of the net almost immediately after half-time, getting on the end of an incisive Indian attack from the right. Hero of the Match Chhangte then doubled the advantage in the 65th minute with a simple tap-in.
India dominated the proceedings from the start as Lebanon struggled to string two passes together and get out of their own half.
In the fifth minute, Chhetri sent a first-time cross on a loose ball which went millimetres over the head of Sahal Abdul Samad, who was lurking inside the six-yard box.
Ashique Kuruniyan, operating down the left wing proved tough for the visiting defence to deal with.
He sniped a low ball into the box for Sahal, who went on a mazy run past red shirts before releasing a cutback from the by-line. However, the ball was cleared away by an outstretched Lebanese foot before Chhetri could get on the end of it.
Lebanon continued to threaten on the counter, but found it difficult to find a way past the ever-so-solid Sandesh Jhingan, who was adjudged the Hero of the Tournament.