The Indian men's football team gained a slender advantage of an away win after edging past hosts Laos 1-0 in the first leg of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier at the National Stadium here on Thursday.
Jeje Lalpekhlua continued his rich vein of form as the Mohan Bagan forward broke the deadlock in the 54th minute with a fine header off Udanta Singh's assist.
Despite missing as many as six starting members due to injuries, India were not only able to secure the win but also went on to break the jinx of not having scripted an away win in a qualifier since 2001.
Both sides will meet again on Tuesday for the return leg to be played in Guwahati.