Chhetri helps India win

Captain Sunil Chhetri’s brace helped India start their AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers final round on a high as the hosts defeated Cambodia 2-0 in a group D match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.

Chhetri was on the field for 68 minutes and looked hungry for a goal all the time. Right from the kick-off, the energetic 37-year-old made life difficult for the Cambodian defence and India didn’t have to wait too long for the first goal. In the 14th minute, Chhetri got his first, converting from the spot.

India were awarded the penalty after Liston Colaco was brought down by defender Kok Boris. It was Chhetri’s 81st international goal, surpassing the UAE’s Ali Mabkhout. The second came a minute before the hour-mark when he nodded in a Brandon Fernendes cross from the left.

Chhetri now is the third highest active goalscorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo (117) and Lionel Messi (86). Chhetri got a chance to complete his hat-trick in the 66th minute but his effort was blocked by the Cambodia defenders. India coach Igor Stimac was not satisfied with the margin of victory. It should have been 4-0. Two more goals would have served us well, the Croat said at the post-match media conference.

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