Sunil Chhetri scores as India prepares for the SAFF Championship with Intercontinental Cup win

Sunil Chhteri scored his 87th international goal while Lallianzuala Chhangte scored the second as India beat Lebanon 2-0 in the Intercontinental Cup final.

Bhubaneswar: India’s preparation for the SAFF Championships got off to a great start with an Intercontinental Cup victory as they defeated Lebanon in the final at Kalinga Stadium on Sunday thanks to goals from captain Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte.

This is India’s second title win in the tournament, following their victory in the inaugural edition in 2018. Korea won in 2019. In the final leg of his career, 38-year-old Chhetri found the back of the net in the 46th minute. of the title fight, breaking the deadlock right after play resumed after a goalless first half.

Buoyed by the lead and buoyed by an almost full crowd at Kalinga Stadium, India consolidated their position as the first goal provider Chhangte found the net in the 66th minute, leaving the fans elated and their 99 ranked opponents stunned .

In hot and humid conditions, both teams had their fair share of chances in the first half but were unable to capitalize on them, as did the goalless stalemate they played out in a petty game two days ago.

And while India had more possession – nearly 58 per cent – the Lebanese shot on target seven times against three from the home side, who again appeared to lack ideas in the opposition’s final third. However, that all changed after the break.

First, a charging Chhangte charged into the box and cut it back for Chhetri, who calmly tapped the ball past Lebanese goalkeeper Ali Sabeh from close range for the opener. The goal was the result of an excellent build-up as Nikhil Poojary managed to slip the ball through tight space to Chhangte, who then put it in front of his inspirational captain.

Raising their tails after the opener, the Indians tried to push home the advantage and were rewarded with a second goal through Chhangte. After receiving a ball from Chhetri, substitute Naorem Mahesh Singh attempted to play the ball past the Lebanese keeper, who saved it but was unable to keep the ball with him.

On the rebound, Chhangte converted to double India’s lead. Previously, the Blue Tigers started positively and were looking for goals, but were unable to convert the few opportunities that came their way. In the sixth minute, Ashique Kuruniyan was brought down in the Lebanese penalty area and the home side immediately asked for a penalty, but the referee was not interested, enraging even Indian head coach Igor Stimac.

India were in spot when Lebanon tried to counterattack, but Ashique committed a foul, taking a yellow card in the interest of the team and preventing the visitors from charging towards the India goal. In hot and humid conditions, the teams needed two cooling breaks.