Hosts India kick-started their Hero Intercontinental Cup campaign in sublime fashion, thumping Chinese Taipei 5-0 in the opening match of the Cup at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai, Maharashtra today (June 01, 2018).




A Sunil Chhetri master-class performance proved to be the difference between the two sides as his hattrick, and a goal a piece by Udanta Singh and Pronoy Halder led India to an easy win over Chinese Taipei, in a match largely dominated by Constantine’s men both in terms of possession and chances created, giving little to no room to play for the opponents.




The attacking intent from the Indian National Team was there from the kick-off and an early build up in the first minute itself led Chinese Taipei to clear their lines, with signs of panic clearly showing in their defensive ranks. In the 3rd minute, Udanta Singh found Sunil Chhetri with a pass inside the box but Chhetri shot inches wide of the goal as the team pressed for an early goal.




It all came together in the 14th minute when Jeje side-stepped his marking players and released a peach of a through ball for Sunil Chhetri, this time the skipper did little wrong and slotted the ball into the back of the net to give India the solitary goal lead..