SAFF Championship: Sunil Chhetri guides India to semi-finals after defeating Nepal

Riding on the marvelous performance of Sunil Chhetri, India on Saturday, entered the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship after defeating Nepal 2-0 in a jaw-dropping match. 

With this win, India continues its unbeaten run in the tournament and remains a strong contender for the coveted title. 

The match began with both teams showcasing their attacking intent from the outset.

Prior to Mahesh Singh's goal to seal the home team's second straight victory in the  70th minute, Chhetri had scored his fourth goal of the game in the 61st minute. In  their first game on Wednesday, India defeated Pakistan 4-0, with Chhetri scoring a hat-trick. 

Chhetri was already the third-highest goal scorer overall among active players and the second-highest goal scorer among Asians, after Iran's Ali Daei (109 goals from  148 games). 

India's match against Kuwait will determine the group champion on June 27. Since they have lost two matches, Nepal and Pakistan are no longer contenders for a  semifinal position. 

India had to repel fierce resistance from Nepal before they could break the impasse.

Only Chhetri, Anirudh Thapa, and Sahal Abdul Samad from the starting 11 of the  previous game against Pakistan remained for India going into the contest, which saw significant lineup changes. 

With a strong defensive performance and swift counterattacks, Nepal ran India close the whole first half. Sahal's header from a cross in the 21st minute was the first real opportunity of the game, but it missed the goalpost by a whisker.

Bimal Ghatri's attempt, which was turned away by Rohit Kumar in the 34th minute just inches from the goal line, might have given Nepal a 1-0 lead in the game had he been a little quicker with his effort. 

Singh, who had just finished a strong run down the right wing, jinked a beautiful cross into the box for Sahal in the 41st minute, but the latter overran the ball and was  unable to complete a volley. 

India played with greater purpose and intensity in the second half, and in the 61st minute, they were successful. 

In order to deal with the Nepalese defenders, Sahal and Mahesh played a quick one-two before finding an open Chhetri inside the box. Chhetri then had to beat custodian Kiran Limbu. 

The Indian players were energized by the goal, and with Sahal's excellent midfield management, they proceeded to look for another. Both Singh and the Keralan were responsible for running India's second-half machinery. 

Sahal's quickness and talent were proved by the second goal. Amid a charge through the middle by the midfielder, Chhetri was found by a ball from Chhetri, but Limbu diverted his effort. 

However, India took a commanding 2-0 lead in the 70th minute when Mahesh Singh was perfectly situated to head the ball into the goal. Despite giving up a two-goal lead, Nepal spiritedly attempted to mount a comeback. 

India, though, was able to maintain the score. With their semifinal spot confirmed,

India will now turn their attention to the upcoming crucial match in the tournament.

The SAFF Championship 2023 has showcased some intense and closely contested matches, and India will be eager to continue their impressive form as they aim to clinch the tiles. 

As the competition progress, football fans across the region are eagerly awaiting the semifinals and the final, which promises to be a thrilling climax to the tournament. 

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