Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Becomes First Indian to Start in Europa League Qualifiers

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Indian national team goalkeeper, made history on Thursday 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 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, 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.

Flying to Wales today, looking forward to tomorrow's game #EuropaLeague #indianfootball pic.twitter.com/gPGLPcWQjC

- Gurpreet Singh (@GurpreetGK) June 29, 2016

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.

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.

Earlier, Mohammed Salim was the first Indian footballer to play abroad as he competed for Scottish top-tier side Celtic FC in 1936.

After independence, former captain Bhaichung Bhutia played for English third division side Bury FC in 1999-2000 and current national skipper Sunil Chhetri played for the 'B' team of Sporting Lisbon in 2012. He also played for Major League Soccer side Kansas City Wizards.