Sunil Chhetri & Co. sail into semifinal of SAFF Cup

An 18-year-old Lallianzuala Chhangte came off the bench to score a brace, one of which was a world-class curler, as India drubbed Nepal 4-1 to ease into the semi-finals of the SAFF Cup football tournament at the Greenfield Stadium here on Sunday.

Chhangte, on his second cap has become India’s youngest goalscorer, eclipsing Baichung Bhutia, with strikes in the 81st and the 90th minutes.

Bimal Magar had put Nepal ahead in the third minute, while Rowlin Borges equalised (26th) and skipper Sunil Chhetri struck seven minutes past the hour.

Nepal’s lead was a shocker as Magar had an easy finish on the rebound off the post from Nawayug Shrestha’s strike with the India defence caught napping.

Aditya Chaudhary denied Chhetri with a perfect tackle inside the box and Narzary had a weak drive while Sanju Pradhan scuffed a shot.

Narzary, drafted in place of an injured Robin Singh, had a header on a cross from Sanju but placed it wide. Later, the hosts were rewarded through Borges who powered into the top corner from 10 yards for the equaliser.

Subrata, one of the five changes from the previous game against Sri Lanka, was taken by surprise as Ranjit Dhimal looked for a cross from his own half that dipped into the goal.

Chhangte was introduced at the break, replacing Sanju. He got involved straightaway, playing a one-two with Chhetri. But Nepal had the first shot as Shrestha forced a low diving save on Subrata. Chhangte was outmuscled on the edge of the box by Aditya Chaudhury.

Hemang Gurung stung Subrata’s gloves from range and at the other end, Augustin Fernandes sliced a header straight into Limbu’s custody.

Chhetri, who took the striker role after an hour, gave India the lead with a cool finish. Jairu had released Narzary, who crossed and Chhetri took a touch with his left before guiding the ball into the left corner.

Soon, Subrata made a brilliant save to parry substitute Anil Gurung. As play switched, Chhangte’s scored a wonder goal that had the ingredients of a dream; couple of stepovers, a change of foot to his left and a curler into the top corner that left Limbu and the crowd watching in disbelief.

The DSK Shivajians product scored again minutes later, this time a looping header on a long ball from Borges. He marked his initials on the night with a copy of Crisitano Ronaldo goal celebration.