India qualify for 2019 AFC Asian Cup

TIL Desk Sports/ India qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in style, pumping in four goals for a crushing 4-1 win over Macau in a qualifying round match in Bengaluru on Wednesday, to make their fourth appearance in the continental event. They made the cut with two matches still to go in the qualifying round.

India competed in the tournament for the first time in 1964, when they finished runners-up. Then they crashed out in the group stage in 1984 and 2011.Rowllin Borges opened the scoring with a fine volley in the 28th minute, skipper Sunil Chhetri restored the lead, after the hosts conceded one, with a strike in the 60th minute, while Macau conceded an own goal through defender Lam Seng in the 70th minute to dig their own grave at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

The fourth goal was scored by Jeje Lalpekhlua (90+2) after being assisted by Chhetri. For Macau, Nicholas Tarrao scored in the 37th minute — their first goal of the qualifying campaign. India topped Group A qualifying round with 12 points from four matches.