Football
SAFF CHAMPIONSHIP 2023: India puts four past Pakistan- Highlights
Sunil Chhetri scores three, completes 90 international goals. Udanta Singh added a fourth as icing on the top.
India beat Pakistan (Image via AIFF)
In the opening match of group A in the SAFF Cup 2023, held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore, India emerged victorious with a resounding 4-0 score-line against Pakistan. Pakistan's journey to the tournament has been marred by disappointment, and India added to their misery on this occasion.
Just ten minutes into the game, Pakistan's goalkeeper Saqib Hanif made a grave error, allowing India to score their first goal. Hanif attempted to clear the ball, but Sunil Chhetri seized the opportunity and found the back of the net flawlessly.
Chhetri extended India's lead to two with a successful penalty kick in the 16th minute. Despite Pakistan's efforts to get back into the game, they were unsuccessful. In the 74th minute, India was awarded another penalty when Chhetri was fouled inside the box. Saqib correctly guessed the direction but failed to deny Sunil, resulting in his hat-trick goal and his 90th international goal.
Udanta Singh, who substituted for Ashique, added India's fourth goal in the 81st minute. This victory marked India's 15th win against the Pakistani side.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 21 Jun 2023 3:14 PM GMT
51' India on the front foot!
Despite missing Igor Stimac on the touch line, The Blue Tigers are not sitting back to play a safe game. Sahal samad, Chhangte and Ashique are through on the atttack and the defense is struggling to contain the attacking threat from India.
- 21 Jun 2023 2:54 PM GMT
HALF TIME!
Phew! The game does lived up to the expectations and we still have the whole second half left. India goes into the half time break with a two goal lead and have to come back without the head coach.
India 2 - 0 Pakistan.
- 21 Jun 2023 2:48 PM GMT
45' There's an argument on the touch line!
Pakistan player goes to take a throw in and Igor Stimac punches away the ball from his hand. Both team captains and referees are trying to control the scene.
- 21 Jun 2023 2:46 PM GMT
41' Everyone tries their luck!
Sahal Samad gives a ground ball through the left, at least five blue shirts are present in the box. Sahal Samad, Sunil Chhetri, Thapa everyone try their luck at the goal but well defended by Pakistan.
- 21 Jun 2023 2:43 PM GMT
40' Chhangte has the ball in the net but the flag is up!
Chhangte receives the ball in the right wing and is through to the goal, he puts it past the keeper however the flag is up.
- 21 Jun 2023 2:38 PM GMT
35' Throw in for Pakistan!
It goes out for another throw in, Chhangte clears and a corner is awarded for Pakistan. It's cleared away, India tries to hit them on a counter but a free kick is awarded to the visitors for a foul from Chhetri. It is cleared away in the end.
