DOHA (Qatar): Sunil Chhetri struck twice in the closing minutes as India boosted their hopes of sealing a place in the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 with a 2-0 win over Bangladesh here on Monday evening.
The India captain took his tally to 74 international goals – above Argentina’s Lionel Messi and one off entering world football’s all-time top 10.
India looked more threatening at the start against a Bangladesh side who were playing with Rakib Hossain as a lone striker and the Blue Tigers should have done better in the seventh minute when Bipin Singh wasted an opportunity off Brandon Fernandes’ corner.
Bangladesh, who came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan on Thursday, got into the action a minute later after Md Rahmat Mia’s long throw-in was flicked on by Hossain inside the danger area but an under pressure Tariq Kazi couldn’t control the ball.
India’s persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute when Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan sent a beautiful cross from the left flank for Chhetri to head into the back of the net from the far post.
Chhetri then doubled India’s lead in added time with a brilliant first touch as the ball raced past Rahman into the top left corner following excellent build-up play.
The win took India to third in the standings with the South Asians to conclude their campaign against Afghanistan on June 15.
