Date:14/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/14/stories/2008081452522000.htm

Sport - Football

Chhetri stars as India wins

Vijay Lokapally

— Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

STAR OF THE DAY: Sunil Chhetri took India to victory in the AFC Challenge Cup scoring three goals in the final.

NEW DELHI: Coach Bob Houghton has promised a resurgence of Indian football and his team took a firm step towards attaining that goal with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Tajikistan in the final of the AFC Challenge Cup football tournament here on Wednesday.

Aided by a sterling performance from Sunil Chhetri, who scored three goals, India dominated the game right through to make a strong statement before a packed Ambedkar Stadium.

With this victory, India qualified to play the Asian Cup to be held in Qatar three years from now.

Chhetri and Baichung Bhutia repeatedly split the five-man Tajikistan defence with some innovative play as India slammed in three goals in 23 minutes.

It was total football by India as Tajikistan was reduced to defending most of the first session. With Bhutia and Chhetri camping themselves in the rival area, the momentum was provided by a reliable midfield where Steven Dais, Climax Lawrence, N.P. Pradeep and Rennedy Singh played their hearts out. Surkumar Singh, who covered the field tirelessly, defending superbly in the company of Anwar Ali, Gouramangi Singh and Samir Naik.

Tajikistan relied on long passes to create scoring chances but it was India which scored from opportunism outside the box. The first-time strike by the Indian forwards was a welcome sight on a pleasant night.

First blood

Chhetri opened the scoring with a deft left-footer after the Tajikistan defence failed to clear a header by Pradeep. The goal which initially was disallowed by the referee was changed after he consulted the linesman.

It was Bhutia’s turn next to display his scoring prowess with a top-of-the-box placement. Chhetri swung into action soon, again with a left-footer, this time scoring with a long-ranger.

Tajikistan was crestfallen but scored one through Satkhullo Fatkhuloer to keep its hopes alive. The teams retired for a break with India in a dominating position.

On resumption, Tajikistan came hard, attacking on the flanks as the Indian defence failed to match the pace.

Tajikistan mounted its raids dangerously but Subrata Paul thwarted them with admirable anticipation and agility.

Gouramangi Singh made a goal-line save and an inspired Chhetri responded with a scintillating run that culminated in a goal leading to thunderous applause from a knowledgeable audience.

Houghton’s team had accomplished its mission and Tajikistan lay buried with 15 minutes still to go.

India defended strongly to emerge a worthy winner.