Gurpreet SIngh Sandhu started for Stabaek FC in the playing XI in trhe Europa League qualifying match. Twitter[/caption]Internet Desk: Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was named in Norwegian club Stabaek FC's squad for their Europa League qualifying match against Welsh Premier League side Connah's Quay Nomads FC, making him the first ever player from India to play in the competition. The first leg of the match ended in a goalless stalemate as both the sides missed a lot of sitters.
Unfortunately, Gurpreet could not play t he full match and had to be replaced with the second goalkeeper Sayouba Mande after he sustained a hand injury in the opening 30 minutes of the match and he had to be taken-off. Gurpreet kept a clean sheet till the time he was on the field.
Gurpreet looked happy after the match but would have been happier if he had played the full match. He said, " It was a great experience for me to be the first Indian player to play in the one of the topmost leagues in India. I was not at all nervous getting on to the field. The weather was very pleasant to play as it was drizzling a bit. I would like to carry forward my performance in the upcoming matches. It would have been more satisfying for me if I could have played the full match keeping a clean sheet."
Regarding the hand injury, the goalie said, "I dont know whether it is a serious or minor injury. I am uncertain for the second leg."
But sources close to the goalkeeper say that he will not recover for the second leg of the Europa League, which would come as a huge blow for both the keeper and all Indian football fans who had been rooting for the Indian.
The former East Bengal goalkeeper played a number of matches in the Norwegian cup competitions last season and also started a league game in May this year.
Before Sandhu, the likes of Mohammed Salim, Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri and Subrata Paul have all played for European sides, but never took part in any top-division game or in the continental competition.
Sandhu joined the Norway side in 2014 and has been their second choice goalkeeper for the last one and a half season.
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