Intercontinental Cup: India held by 179th-ranked Mauritius in opener

Marquez era begins with a drab draw
HYDERABAD: Manolo Marquez's journey as the national team coach began on a drab note as defending champions India were held to a goalless draw in the opening fixture of the Intercontinental Cup at the GMC Balayogi Stadium on Tuesday. Lower-ranked Mauritius proved a tough nut to crack.

India, ranked 124th against Mauritius', ranked 179, were expected to coast home but the absence of a now-retired Sunil Chhetri was never so badly felt.

Despite coming close to finding the goal through Nandha Kumar, Liston Colaco, Aniridh Thapa and others on different occasions, the hosts faltered when it came to the finishing touch. Mauritius came out a much happier side at the end. Marquez will have plenty on his plate when India take on Syria next on Sept 9.

Mauritius started on a positive note by making their way into the Indian box in the very first minute before captain Rahul Bheke cleared it in front of goalkeeper Amrinder Singh. India looked rusty to start with but once they settled in, they started creating chances. Sana Singh nearly headed home Anirudh Thapa's corner in the sixth minute.

Colaco and Asish Rai tried to find their way through the rival defence but without success. Lallianzuala Chhangte and Anirudh Thapa too made a few runs in vain.

The visitors had a clear chance in the 37th minute when Emmanuel Rudy Vincent Jean caught the Indian defence off-guard and took the shot at the post from the edge of the penalty box. But the shot hit the top of the goalpost.

Marquez substituted midfielders Colaco and Thapa with Nandha Kumar and Sahal Abdul Samad at the half-time. Chhangte made an impressive solo run along the right flank before his shot was cleared. Nandha's inclusion provided pace on the left flank with a few solo runs but the Mauritius' defenders Jean Jordan Rayenne Francois and Dylan Joao Raymond Collard were up to the task. Indians tried hard to break the deadlock in the final minutes but in vain.

Marquez termed it a fair result. "They didn't give us too many chances. We finished very tired. It is clear that we didn't train. It is a good game in terms of not conceding a goal and I am happy with the effort of the players. We can't play worse than this," he said.

"We know that Indian players have a problem when it comes to physicality. We need to keep going. We need to improve in all areas. I am convinced that we will do that," he added.