In 2017, the Indian men’s football team had a strong and unbeaten run across nine matches, which included both Asian Cup qualifiers and international friendlies. India’s performance that year showcased the progress they were making under coach Stephen Constantine, with solid results in competitive qualifiers and friendlies alike.
- India 1-0 Myanmar (March 2017)
Venue: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
India began their 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign with a crucial 1-0 win over Myanmar, with Jeje Lalpekhlua scoring the match-winning goal. This victory gave India a strong start in the group stages.
- India 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic (June 2017)
Venue: Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
India followed up with another 1-0 win, this time away from home against Kyrgyz Republic. A goal from Sunil Chhetri secured the three points, strengthening India’s position in the qualification standings.
- India 2-0 Macau (September 2017)
Venue: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
India’s dominance continued in the qualification campaign, with a 2-0 win over Macau. Goals from Sunil Chhetri and Jackichand Singh helped secure an important victory.
- India 4-1 Macau (October 2017)
Venue: Macau
India turned in an even more dominant performance in the return fixture against Macau, winning 4-1. The attacking prowess was on full display, with Sunil Chhetri scoring two goals and Jeje Lalpekhlua adding another. Udanta Singh also scored a goal in this emphatic win.
- India 2-2 Myanmar (October 2017)
Venue: Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, Myanmar
India played out a 2-2 draw with Myanmar in the final match of the Asian Cup qualifiers for the year. Although India dropped points, the result helped secure their qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Goals from Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua ensured that India didn’t lose the match.
- India 3-2 Cambodia (March 2017)
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
In a friendly, India won 3-2 against Cambodia, with Sunil Chhetri scoring two goals and Jackichand Singh adding another. The match was a good test for the team as they prepared for the qualifiers and other challenges ahead.
- India 2-0 Nepal (August 2017)
Venue: Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
India recorded a 2-0 win over Nepal in another friendly, with Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua scoring the goals. The victory gave the team more confidence and momentum heading into their next competitive fixtures.
- India 2-1 Mauritius (June 2017)
Venue: Balewadi Stadium, Pune
In yet another friendly, India defeated Mauritius 2-1, with Sunil Chhetri once again being a key player. The match was an important preparation for the qualifiers.
- India 1-1 St. Kitts and Nevis (September 2017)
Venue: Hisar, Haryana
India played a 1-1 draw with St. Kitts and Nevis in a friendly match. Sunil Chhetri scored for India, but they were unable to hold on to the lead, resulting in a draw. Despite the stalemate, India maintained an unbeaten record for the year.
Impressive Defense and Attack: India’s unbeaten run in 2017 highlighted a balanced approach under Stephen Constantine, with solid defense and clinical finishing. The team conceded only a few goals, and attacking players like Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, and Jackichand Singh were instrumental in securing results.
Sunil Chhetri’s Influence: As India’s captain, Sunil Chhetri was pivotal throughout the year, scoring consistently in the Asian Cup qualifiers and friendlies. His leadership and goal-scoring ability were key to India’s success in 2017, reaffirming his place as one of India’s greatest footballers.
AFC Asian Cup Qualification: The unbeaten record in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers ensured that India qualified for their fourth AFC Asian Cup. This achievement was a significant milestone for Indian football, as it marked their return to the prestigious tournament after a long gap, having last qualified for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
Stephen Constantine’s Impact: The unbeaten run also reflected the progress India had made under Stephen Constantine, whose pragmatic and structured approach to the game helped elevate the team. His focus on fitness, discipline, and tactical awareness were crucial factors in the team’s success during this period.
Team Chemistry and Depth: The depth in the squad was also evident, with different players stepping up in various matches. This included Jeje Lalpekhlua, Udanta Singh, and Jackichand Singh, who all contributed goals and assists during the year.
India’s unbeaten run in 2017 (9 matches across Asian Cup qualifiers and friendlies) was a remarkable achievement for Indian football. It showed the team’s growing strength and consistency, as well as their ability to compete effectively on the international stage. With Stephen Constantine at the helm, the team managed to build momentum leading up to their successful qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, which was a huge milestone for Indian football.
India’s performance in 2017 remains one of the most successful years in recent football history for the national team, and it set the stage for their participation in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, which was an exciting moment for Indian football fans.
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