India have grabbed three points in their bid to make a fifth appearance in AFC Asian Cup tournament. Sunil Chhetri’s two goals helped him take his tally of international goals to 82.
Sunil Chhetri in action during the match. (Courtesy: IndianFootball/Twitter)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sunil Chhetri now has 82 international goals
- Chhetri’s brace helped India beat Cambodia
- India will next take on Afghanistan on June 11
Riding on captain Sunil Chhetri’s brace, India defeated Cambodia 2-0 at the Vivekanand Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in the AFC Asian Cup qualification match on Wednesday.
With the win, India have grabbed three points in their bid to make a fifth appearance in the AFC Asian Cup tournament. Chhetri’s two goals (14′, 59′) have helped him take his tally of international goals to 82.
India gave Cambodia no time to breathe as the first shot on target came in the second minute, when Roshan Singh tried to hit one from long range. Two minutes later, Akash Mishra then tried to put pressure but Cambodian goalkeeper Hul Kimhuy denied him.
Cambodia, too, created a chance in the seventh minute before India regained control. The India skipper stepped up and gave the Blue Tigers an early lead through a penalty.
From thereon, India maintained possession. Chhetri doubled the lead as he hit a header towards the top right corner and into the back of the net. Cambodia made a triple substitution but it had no impact on the match. Chhetri got a chance to complete his hat-trick but his effort was defended in the 66th minute.
India will next take on Afghanistan on June 11.