New Delhi: Indian national team goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made history as he started for Norwegian side Stabaek FC in an Europa League qualifier against Welsh side Connah’s Quay Nomads F.C. in an away match in Rhyl. He became the first Indian to play in Europa League.
Sandhu, who signed for Stabaek FC in 2014, in May became the first Indian footballer to play in a top-tier European League, when he featured in Stabaek FC vs IK Start match of the Tippeligaen (Norwegian Premier League). Stabaek FC won the match 5-0. Sandhu played for 30 minutes before being replaced, as he picked up a finger injury, by Ivorian goalkeeper Sayouba Mande, . The match finally ended 0-0.
Sandhu has been the number one goalkeeper in the Indian team since Stephen Constantine took over in 2015, with the English coach preferring him over veteran Subrata Paul. He has so far played second fiddle to Mande, who is the first choice Stabaek FC goalkeeper. But he has started to make his presence of late.