India have secured three points in their bid to make their fifth appearance in the AFC Asian Cup tournament. Sunil Chhetri’s two goals helped him take the number of international goals to 82.
Sunil Chhetri in action during the match. (courtesy: indianfootball/twitter)
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- Sunil Chhetri now has 82 international goals to his name
- Chhetri’s brace helped India defeat Cambodia
- India will next face Afghanistan on June 11
Riding on captain Sunil Chhetri’s brace, India defeated Cambodia 2-0 in an AFC Asian Cup qualification match at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan Stadium on Wednesday.
With this win, India have secured three points in their bid to finish fifth in the AFC Asian Cup tournament. Chhetri’s two goals (14′, 59′) have helped him take his number of international goals to 82.
India did not give Cambodia time to breathe as the first shot on target came in the second minute when Roshan Singh tried to hit one from long distance. Two minutes later, Akash Mishra tried to apply pressure but was denied by Cambodian goalkeeper Hul Kimhuy.
Cambodia also created a chance in the seventh minute before India came under control. The India captain went ahead and gave the Blue Tigers an early lead through a penalty.
Since then, India maintained the occupation. 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 effect on the match. Chhetri got a chance to complete his hat-trick but his effort was saved in the 66th minute.
India will next face Afghanistan on June 11.