NEW DELHI: Sunil Chhetri, the charismatic captain of the Indian national football team, once again displayed his heroics on the field as he scored a decisive goal in India's 1-0 victory over Vanuatu in the Intercontinental Cup on Monday.
The match, held at the renowned Kalinga Stadium, left fans on the edge of their seats as Chhetri's late strike secured a crucial win for the home side and put them in a favourable position for a spot in the tournament's final.
Chhetri, who has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in international football, found the back of the net in the 81st minute, showcasing his exceptional finishing skills. The goal not only delighted the players and supporters but also carried a personal touch for Chhetri as he celebrated the imminent arrival of his child. Sliding the ball beneath his jersey, Chhetri proudly revealed the joyous news, with his wife Sonam captured clapping and cheering on the big screen.
With an impeccable record of two wins from two matches, India currently sits atop the tournament table with six points. Their previous triumph came against Mongolia, where they convincingly secured a 2-0 victory in the opening match of the Intercontinental Cup.
The Indian team's next challenge will be a crucial encounter against Lebanon in their final round-robin league match, scheduled for Thursday.
India's dominance was evident in the first half of the game, boasting 62% ball possession and relentlessly creating scoring opportunities. However, their efforts were mostly wayward, and Vanuatu, ranked 164th in the world, failed to produce a single shot on target during the opening half.
Debutant Nandhakumar Sekar made an impressive impact, actively participating in India's attacking manoeuvres from the midfield. Despite his involvement in several promising build-up plays, Sekar missed a golden opportunity in the 36th minute, squandering a well-placed through ball from Mahesh Naorem.
As the second half unfolded, India continued to apply pressure, but Vanuatu's resolute defence thwarted their advances. In the 61st minute, Chhetri came tantalisingly close to scoring with a header, narrowly missing the target due to obstructed vision caused by the goalkeeper.
To inject fresh energy into the team's performance, coach Igor Stimac strategically made three substitutions, introducing Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh and Sahal Abdul Samad. However, it was Chhetri who once again proved his mettle in the 81st minute. A pinpoint cross from Shubashish Bose found its way to Chhetri, who unleashed a powerful left-footed volley that left the Vanuatu goalkeeper helpless, securing the crucial goal with only nine minutes left on the clock.
Chhetri's match-winning strike further solidified his status as one of India's footballing legends. His exceptional skills and inspirational leadership continue to propel the team forward as they strive for glory in the highly competitive Intercontinental Cup.
(With inputs from PTI)
