Chhetri ends India's 24-year wait
On the eve of the AFC Challenge Cup final against holders Tajikistan, India coach Bob Houghton had stressed on the importance of a vociferous crowd support in big games. Understandable because with a place in the Asian Cup finals in Qatar on line, India were undoubtedly playing their biggest game in over two decades.The Nehru Cup champions were given a standing ovation by an over 20,000 crowd at the Ambedkar stadium before kick-off and the inspired men in blue scored thrice before the clock touched the 30-minute mark to lead India to a comprehensive 4-1 win.
The second title in under a year in the capital also catapulted India into the continent's highest championship after 24 years.
Sunil Chhetri scored a hattrick (9th, 23, 75) - the first by an Indian ever in a final - and Bhaichung Bhutia added another in the 19th minute to end the contest even before their opponents warmed up.
Fatkhullo Falkuloev found the consolation goal in the 44th minute with a superb 25-yard pile driver but the early deficit proved too much for the defending champions.
Supporters had started throng- ing the stadium since noon for a match that was to start at 7pm since the organisers could only get tickets printed late on Tuesday night.The long queue outside would have pleased Houghton and his wards no end when they reached the ground a couple of hours later.
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Labels: AFC Challenge Cup, Ambedkar stadium, Asian Cup finals, hattrick, India, India coach Bob Houghton, Nehru Cup champions, Qatar, Sunil Chhetri, Supporters, Tajikistan, tFatkhullo Falkuloev
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