NEW DELHI: Hosts India secured their spot within the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship by defeating Nepal 2-0 in an exhilarating encounter of their second group match.
Captain Sunil Chhetri continued his spectacular kind, scoring his fourth aim of the match, whereas Mahesh Singh sealed the victory with a vital aim. India had beforehand crushed Pakistan 4-0 of their opening match, with Chhetri scoring a hat-trick.
Because it occurred: India vs Nepal
Chhetri (91 objectives from 139 matches), who already holds the excellence of being the second highest-scoring Asian participant and probably the most prolific lively goal-scorer in Asia, as soon as once more demonstrated his prowess on the sector. His aim within the 61st minute gave India the lead they wanted, as he discovered the again of the web with precision. This aim additional solidified his impression on the match.

With six factors from two victories, India secured a semi-final berth from Group A alongside Kuwait, who additionally earned six factors by defeating Pakistan 4-0 earlier within the day. The ultimate group match between India and Kuwait on June 27 will decide the group winner.
Within the match in opposition to Nepal, India confronted stiff competitors as their opponents showcased a robust defence and launched fast counterattacks. Regardless of the problem, India displayed urgency and function within the second half. They needed to patiently thrust back Nepal’s spirited struggle earlier than lastly breaking the impasse.

The primary half remained carefully contested, with each groups creating alternatives. Sahal Abdul Samad got here near scoring for India within the twenty first minute, narrowly lacking the goal with a header. Nepal additionally had their possibilities, with Bimal Ghatri’s shot being cleared off the aim line by Rohit Kumar within the thirty fourth minute.
India’s breakthrough got here within the 61st minute when Sahal and Mahesh mixed successfully to outwit the Nepalese defence. Chhetri discovered himself unmarked contained in the field and confidently beat goalkeeper Kiran Limbu to offer India a vital lead.

The aim injected renewed power into the Indian gamers, who continued their seek for one other aim. Sahal, specifically, orchestrated the midfield brilliantly, working in tandem with Mahesh Singh. It was Sahal’s swift run by means of the centre that arrange Chhetri for a shot, which deflected off Limbu however discovered Mahesh Singh completely positioned to go the ball into the web within the seventieth minute, extending India’s result in 2-0.
Nepal fought again valiantly in an try and stage a comeback, however India’s defence held agency, making certain their two-goal benefit remained intact till the ultimate whistle.
With this well-deserved victory, India’s journey within the SAFF Championship continues, whereas Nepal and Pakistan at the moment are eradicated from rivalry for a semifinal spot, having suffered two defeats every.
India’s subsequent essential encounter in opposition to Kuwait will decide the group winner and additional form the match’s trajectory.
(With inputs from PTI)