India qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup after their convincing 4-1 win over Macau in the qualifying round. A 4th straight win in Group A saw Sunil Chhetri and his team finish in top-2 in the qualifying round. the AFC Asian Cup is the second oldest continental football championship in the world. This is the 4th time India has qualified for the tournament after 1964, 1984 and 2011.
Rowllin Borges opened the scoring for India with a fine right-footed volley in the 28th minute. However, the 182nd ranked team stunned India when Nicholas Mario Tarrao struck a historic goal for Macau. Latching on to a cross from the right flank, the striker netted from close range in the 37th minute.
With over 4,000 fans watching on a rainy day in Bengaluru, the hostscame back in the game skipper Sunil Chhetri restored the lead when he gave finishing touches to a brilliant run by super sub Balwant Singh in 60th minute. Macau dug their grave when they cored a self-goal in the 70th minute. The icing on the cake came in the 92nd minute when Jeje Lalpekhlua scored the fourth goal on a Chhetri assist.
