Dubai: The Indian senior team defeated Sharjah based UAE club Al Shaab FC 3-1 in their first practice match of the Dubai camp.
India started the match without captain Bhaichung Bhutia and goalkpeer Subrata Paul as both were ruled out due to injuries.
Dempo striker Sunil Chhetri gave India the lead in the 24th minute when he struck from close range after pouncing on a well timed pass from Anthony Parreira.
Just seconds later the former East Bengal striker pumped in another goal this time heading home an inch perfect cross sent in from the right flank by Steven Dias.
Chhetri completed his hattrick and sealed the match for India in the 48th minute when his powerful shot from the edge of the box gave the Al Shaab keeper no chance.
In the second half Bob Houghton made as many as 6 substitutions to try out several permutations and combinations.
The UAE club did pull one back in the 90th minute through a counter attacking move.
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