Nineteen-year-old Kiwi-Indian Sarpreet Singh, who plays for Wellington Phoenix has won hearts and accolades alike, in India so far where All Whites’ is participating in four nations Hero Intercontinental Cup.
All Whites are currently in Mumbai playing against, Kenya, Chinese Taipei and hosts India in the Hero Intercontinental Cup, and on Thursday, June 7, won their first match against India.
The All Whites have delivered their best performance of the HERO Intercontinental Cup, defeating tournament hosts India 2-1 in hot and humid conditions tonight in Mumbai.
The winning goal came in 86th minute when Moses Dyer – a late second-half substitute netted the ball after receiving a pass from Sarpreet Singh, who is easily New Zealand’s most stand-out player of the tournament so far.
It was the first international goal for Moses Dyer, who plays for Manukau United in New Zealand.
However, it is Sarpreet Singh, who is making waves in India – a country where both his parents were born – through his midfield domination and attacking game.
Sarpreet Singh after scoring a goal against Chinese Taipei in Hero Intercontinental Cup
In a remarkable display of soccer-skills, Singh was instrumental in setting up both the goals with timely passes. First, it was in the 49th minute, when Singh threaded a delicate pass through to Andre De Jong, who netted his first international goal, which was also an equaliser for the All Whites.
Earlier, the hosts India had surged into the lead in the 47th minute sending the full-house Mumbai crowd in a frenzy, which was however short-lived for two minutes. The stadium was stunned when Sarpreet Singh – Andre-De Jong duo brought an equaliser.
Towards the late second half, Sarpreet Singh again swung into action and set up a beautiful ball for Moses Dyer, who got the ball inside India’s goal, and closing what is arguably New Zealand’s best performance in the tournament so far.
Earlier, Sarpreet Singh was also instrumental in All Whites victory against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, June 5.
The All Whites will rest and recover tomorrow and see what the outcome of the final game between Kenya and Chinese Taipei to learn if they have done enough for a place in the HERO Intercontinental Cup Final.
Sarpreet Singh
Born to Indian parents, who were born in India, Sarpreet Singh had lived in Auckland, before his exemplary soccer-skills took him to capital Wellington.
His soccer skills have brought him to limelight with many experts predicting his meteoric rise in the soccer world only a matter of time.
The teenager received financial support and mentorship from New Zealand captain Winston Reid
Former New Zealand captain Winston Reid had played an instrumental role in supporting Sarpreet’s dream of pursuing professional football.
It was scholarship support from Winston Reid that financed Sarpreet’s move from Auckland to Wellington.
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