SAFF Championship: India beats Nepal, qualifies for semi-finals - Highlights
Sunil Chhetri and Mahesh Naorem scored as India qualified for SAFF Championship semi-finals.
Mahesh Naorem vs Nepal (Image via AIFF)
India secured their place in the semi-finals of the tournament with one game still remaining in the group stages. Despite a lackluster performance in the first half, the Indian team exhibited remarkable determination in the second half to turn the game around.
The opening goal came through an excellent combination play between Mahesh Naorem and the team captain, Sunil Chhetri in the 61st minute. Naorem made a brilliant run down the left flank, delivering a precise ground ball to Chhetri, who calmly slotted it into the net. The duo continued to wreak havoc on the opposition defense, with Chhetri returning the favor for the second goal.
In the 69th minute Sahal unleashed a perfectly weighted through ball, splitting the defense, and finding Chhetri in a scoring position. However, Chhetri's shot sailed over the crossbar. Fortunately, the ball found its way back to Naorem, who made no mistake in converting the chance, ensuring India's victory and scoring his first goal for the nation.
Even in the absence of their Head Coach Igor Stimac on the sidelines, the team managed to emerge victorious and extended their incredible streak of keeping eighth clean sheets.
With one more match against Kuwait remaining in the group stages, India now sets their sights on the semi-finals.
As it happened:
India has qualified for the semi-finals of the SAFF Champiosnhip!
India 2 - 0 Nepal
Probably the last chance for Nepal in this game. A free kick is awarded to Nepal in a very dangerous position. Lama takes and he shoots it over the bar.
Nepal has four minutes to get something done in this game. India tho has slowed down their game and are relaxed about it.
India has slowed down the tempo of the game. With only six minutes of regulation time left, India has a solid lead. Nepal are pushing but they are unable to find the cutting edge.
Corner is awarded to India, Thapa delivers it into the box. Jeakson with a timely, accurate header but Limbu denies.
Sahal runs through the middle of the park and gives a through ball to Sunil Chhetri. Chetri takes the shot but it falls over the bar. The ball slips down and Mahesh slots it into the net.
First goal for India for Mahesh Naorem.
India 2 - 0 Nepal
WHO ELSE? Naorem Mahesh runs through the left flank and gives a ground ball to Sunil Chhetri. The India captain slots it in to the net with ease.
India 1 - 0 Nepal
A corner is awarded to India, Thapa takes it short and delivers right into the box but Kiran Kumar Limbu punches it away.
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