Shanghai: Dominant India built on their impressive first match showing against Jiangsu Sainty with yet another clinical display to beat Chinese Super League side Shanghai East Asia 2-0 in their own backyard here on Saturday.
Young Dempo forward Mandar Rao Desai and captain Sunil Chhetri scored either side of halftime to ensure India finished their China tour with an all win record.
India could have scored more had substitute Seminlen Doungel’s shot struck the crossbar and Chhetri not scuffed his one on one effort.
Shanghai East Asia are currently placed fourth in the Chinese Super League points table with 41 points from 23 outings.
India enjoyed ball possession in the early exchanges as the battle was mostly concentrated in the middle of the park.
Chhetri, promising Bengaluru FC midfielder Siam Hanghal and Mandar combined well in the midfield stitching good passes to Robin Singh up front.
One such move was squandered by Robin from close range. Soon after, centre-back Sandesh Jhinghan side-netted a corner from a good angle.
India though were rewarded for their efforts in the dying minutes of the half, when Mandar crept behind the opponents backline to latch on to a neat pass from Chhetri. The Dempo player then rounded off the keeper to calmly tap home.
India doubled their advantage in the second half, this time Chhetri getting on the end of a wonderful move involving Bengaluru FC compatriots Siam and Robin.
He struck low to the keeper’s left after Siam put Robin through with a measured pass which the tall striker laid on for Chhetri.
It could have been 3-0 in favour of the visitors had Chhetri not missed a gilt edged chance in the dying minutes of the match after some great work by substitute Seminlen Doungel.(IANS)
