2021 SAFF Championship: Sunil Chhetri once again turns saviour, as his late goal against Nepal gives India its first win in the tournament

The Indian Team against Nepal performed better than its previous two matches at the ongoing 2021 SAFF Championship. They had so many near chances to score, but couldn’t do it. Finally, in the end, Sunil Chhetri scores and India win by 1-0 against Nepal to keep the hope alive – for the finals. India vs Nepal was played at the National Football Stadium in Malé, the Maldives on Sunday, 10 October 2021.

India was held to Draw in their previous two matches; 1-1 against Bangladesh and 0-0 against Sri Lanka at the ongoing SAFF Championship.

Meanwhile, India had met their neighbour Nepal for a Friendly Tour in September at Kathmandu, Nepal. Where in 1st Game hosts held India to 1-1 Draw and in 2nd Game India had beat Nepal 2-1. The tour was organized as a preparation for the 2021 SAFF Championship.

Nepal’s Starting XI

Kiran (GK and Captain), Gautam Shrestha, Rohit Chand, Dinesh Rajbanshi, Suman Aryal, Ananta Tamang, Tej Tamang, Pujan Uparkoti, Suman Lama, Manish Manish Dangi, Sujal Shrestha

India’s Starting XI

2021 SAFF Championship – India vs Nepal

In 1st Half, India had so near few chances all for Sunil Chhetri. In the 21′, the Indian Skipper misses a header as Brandon’s corner connects him well. But the header just goes wide.

However, in the 34 Minute – it was a better chance for Sunil Chhetri to score as he misses an open goal. And the frustration can be seen from Sunil Chhetri as he kicks the post, after missing the goal as it went wide.

Half-Time Score: India 0-0 Nepal

Again, in the Second-half, India had many chances but couldn’t finish it. As in 57’, Manvir Singh does a header but is saved by Nepal’s goalkeeper Kiran.

Then, after so much asking finally a Goal for India in 82′ by none other than Captain Sunil Chhetri as he puts the ball past Nepal’s GK – assisted by Farukh Chowdhary as he directed his header towards Chhetri.

As a result, Full-Time Score India 1-0 Nepal in the 2021 SAFF Championship.

Hence, India registers their first win in the tournament. With this moves to 3rd Position with 5 Points. Meanwhile, India next match against hosts the Maldives – the Blue Tigers will have to win it to ensure the qualification for the final.