MACAU, Sept 5: Substitute striker Balwant Singh�s opportunistic second half double strike helped India beat Macau 2-0 in a group league encounter of the Asian Cup qualifying round, taking their unbeaten run in international matches to 11.
The former Mohun Bagan goal poacher found the target in the 57th and 82nd minutes respectively as the �Blue Tigers� won their third successive match in the qualifying tournament, maintaining their pole position in the group with nine points.
With nine points from three games, India are now firmly in contention to seal a berth for the 2019 edition of the tournament.
Ranked 96th in the FIFA list, India were overwhelming favourites against minnows Macau � currently ranked 183rd.
However, the home team managed to defend their citadel in the first half, which that ended goalless. It was Balwant, who replaced Eugenesen Lyngdoh post change of ends, broke the deadlock. � PTI
