Constantine impressed despite loss to Jordan

Amman, November 18 

The Indian football team went down 1-2 to Jordan in their international football friendly, an improved second-half performance failing to salvage a draw for the visitors. This was a climbdown for Stephen Constantine’s men weeks after holding higher-ranked China to a goalless stalemate. 

Goalkeeper-cum-captain Amer Shafi put Jordan ahead with a goal in the 25th minute. Thanks to the howler from Indian custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who failed to read the bounce of his counterpart’s shot from the other end of the pitch, Jordan led 1-0 at the break. Ehsan Haddad consolidated Jordan’s position and made it 2-0 with his 58th-minute strike.

Debutant Nishu Kumar pulled one back for the visitors when he found the net from close range in the 61st minute. That was only his second touch of the game. 

India coach Stephen Constantine dubbed India’s performance as “outstanding with being unfortunate to not get an equaliser”. “The boys were outstanding and gave their all in the match. I could not have asked for more and I am extremely happy with the effort players have put in. We came here to play and gain valuable experience. They learnt how to cope under pressure and play out of their positions,” Constantine said. 

In preparation for next year’s AFC Asian Cup, India are slated to square off against Oman next. — PTI