2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier: Balwant Singh's double strike helps India defeat Macau 2-0, inch closer to qualification

India defeated Macau 2-0 in their Asian Cup qualifier at the Olympic Complex at Macau on Tuesday. The win helped the 'Blue Tigers' inch closer to a qualification in Asia's premier national football tournament. Balwant Singh found the back of the net twice to seal the victory for India. Singh struck the opener via a superb header in the 56th minute and then doubled the lead in the 81st minute as a result of a defensive blunder from Macau.  

Macau who are ranked almost 100 places below India put up a strong resistance in the first half that ended without a goal. India has won all their three matches in the group so far and is in a commanding position to qualify from their group.

India had won both their previous matches against Myanmar and the Kyrgyz Republic before coming into the tie against Macau. India had overcome a tough away challenge against Myanmar courtesy a solitary goal from captain Sunil Chhetri and defeated the Kyrgyz Republic at home 1-0 in July with Chhetri finding the back of the net once again. On the other hand, Macau suffered their third successive defeat after losing its opening matches against Myanmar (0-4) and Kyrgyz Republic (0-1).