Image Source: Goal.com
Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian men’s football team, achieved another milestone during their Group A SAFF Championships match against Kuwait. In the closing moments of the first half, India earned a corner, and Chhetri brilliantly volleyed the incoming delivery from the right into the net, giving India a 1-0 lead. This goal not only helped India in the match but also marked Chhetri’s fifth goal in the tournament and his 24th overall in the SAFF Championships, setting a new record. With this achievement, Chhetri surpassed Ali Ashfaq from the Maldives to become the all-time leading scorer in the history of the SAFF Championships.
Prior to Tuesday’s match, India had secured impressive victories of 4-0 against Pakistan and 2-0 against Nepal. In the match against Pakistan, Chhetri stood out by scoring a hat-trick, showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring abilities. In the match against Nepal, Chhetri was among the two goal-scorers for India, contributing to their victory.
India concluded Group A in the second position, behind Kuwait, following their draw against them. In Group B, Lebanon currently holds the top spot on the points table after two matchdays, having accumulated six points. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is positioned second with three points.
Sunil Chhetri made a significant impact at the beginning of India’s SAFF Championship campaign by scoring a memorable hat-trick against their rivals, Pakistan. Ranked at 143 in the FIFA rankings, Kuwait only needed a draw against India to secure the top position in Group A at the SAFF Championship. With six points from their last two matches, Kuwait successfully secured a spot in the tournament’s semi-finals. They achieved a 3-1 victory over Nepal and followed it up with a convincing 4-0 win against Pakistan in the group stage. Despite Chhetri’s departure, India conceded a late goal, resulting in a 1-1 draw with Kuwait, who subsequently topped Group A in the SAFF Championship.
In Summary
With his opening goal in the match against Kuwait, Sunil Chhetri not only gave India the lead but also achieved a significant milestone. It marked his 24th goal in the SAFF Championship, making him the all-time leading scorer in the tournament’s history, surpassing Ali Ashfaq. This achievement further solidifies Chhetri’s status as a prolific goal-getter. Chhetri’s goal-scoring prowess extends beyond the SAFF Championship. He is also closing in on the all-time international goal-scoring records of Lionel Messi (103) and Cristiano Ronaldo (123) in men’s football. Currently, he stands behind Ronaldo, Messi, and Ali Daei (109) on this esteemed list.
The Indian captain’s recent form has been exceptional, as he has scored seven goals in his last seven appearances for Team India. In India’s comfortable victory over Nepal, Chhetri found the back of the net, further showcasing his importance and contribution to the team’s success. At the age of 38, Chhetri continues to make a significant impact and remains a formidable presence in Indian football. His contributions to Indian football have earned him numerous accolades and awards, including the AIFF Player of the Year multiple times. Chhetri’s passion for the sport and his leadership on and off the field have made him a role model and inspiration for aspiring footballers in India.
