Asian Cup qualifier: Sunil Chhetri Brace Lifts India to Third

DOHA: India captain Sunil Chhetri on Monday struck twice in the closing minutes to hand India a 2-0 win over Bangladesh to revive his team's prospects of advancing from Group E of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers. The first-half had ended goalless. Chhetri scored in the 79th and 90th minutes to give India their first win in Group E and three points. The win gave a boost to India's hopes of sealing a place in the third round.

India are only fighting to qualify for the Asian Cup, as they are out of contention for the 2022 World Cup.

India now have six points from seven matches and are placed third in the group. They have lost three matches and three games have ended in draws. Qatar continue to lead Group E with 19 points from seven matches, thanks to their six wins. Oman have 12 points from five matches and are second.

Afghanistan are placed fourth, below India, with five pints from six matches and Bangladesh are fifth in the five-team group with two points from seven matches. Bangladesh are the only team to have not won a match.

India next play Afghanistan in their last group league match on June 15 at the same venue, Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. IANS

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