AFC Asian Cup Qualification: Sunil Chhetri and Sahal Abdul Samad goals help India beat Afghanistan
India registered a 2-1 victory over Afghanistan in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. A spectacular goal from talisman Sunil Chhetri and an injury-time winner from Sahal Abdul Samad helped them win to consolidate their position in the group
Kolkata, West Bengal, India. 11th June, 2022. Different moments of 4th match of AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers Final Round Group D at Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan)They want to make a second straight appearance in the Asian Cup and fifth overall, as they departed in the group stage of the previous edition in 2019. None of the parties scored until the 86th minute when Chhetri's free-kick sent from over 20 yards, flung towards the right corner of the net, shooting past Afghanistan's goalkeeper. It marked his 83rd goal in international football as he inches closer to second-placed Argentine international Lionel Messi among active players.
Although India dominated the game with 58% possession of the ball compared to Afghanistan's 42%, Afghanistan levelled the score within two minutes as Zubayr Amiri struck a header in the 88th minute of the match. The poor marking exhibited by the Indian defenders helped the opponent's case. The match was expected to close in a draw, but Samad scored the finisher. He utilised a pass made by Ashique Kuruniyan to kick the ball past the Afghanistan goalkeeper. Ashique was one of the standout performers for the home team because he created several opportunities that gave the Afghanistan defenders a hard time. The hosts sacked a 2-0 win over Cambodia in the opener, and Afghanistan had lost to Hong Kong in their opening match.
Sunil Chhetri is an idol of the youngsters in the team
India will face Hong King in their final game of the qualifiers on June 14. After dropping an exhilarating performance, skipper Chhetri admitted that he expected to share the points with their opponent, but his teammates proved him wrong. He is happy to have brought home the well-deserved three points. He gave his opinion on sharing the field with young players, complimenting them on their strengths and weaknesses. He added that they work hard and do not carry much baggage.
They are expressive and confident, besides having the ability to bounce back. He stressed the importance of playing in the Asia Cup every edition and competing against the best teams worldwide. He said he is proud of being a part of the team, and their target is to improve. Sahal Abdul Samad, who became the match's hero and scored the match-winner, revealed it was one of the most significant wins of his career. They maintained their composure and won the match, which increased their team spirit.