Taiwan began their AFC Challenge Cup Group B campaign with a defeat on Monday evening, as India won 3-0 in Kuala Lumpur.
Both sides began the match cagily, with chances restricted to long-range shots that failed to test either goalkeeper.
CHALLENGE
A long, high punt into the Taiwan penalty box in the 33rd minute saw three Indian attackers and three Taiwanese defenders challenge for the ball in the air, which fell to India’s Steven Dias, who put India ahead.
A few minutes before halftime, Taiwan forward Chen Po-liang, who plays for TSW Pegasus in the Hong Kong first division, had a couple of good efforts to give his side some hope for the second half.
Taiwan worked hard seeking a goal and Chen was behind several good attacking moves in the second half.
However, in the 75th minute, Sunil Chhetri beat a defender to put India up 2-0, and two minutes from full time, substitute Jewel Raja Shaikh scored India’s third goal to secure three points for his team.
OTHER MATCH-UP
In Monday’s other Group B match, Turkmenistan beat Pakistan 3-0.
Taiwan face Turkmenistan today and Pakistan on Friday.
The top two teams in each group qualify for next year’s finals.
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