Chhetri scores brace in 100th game as India trump Kenya
Thunder, thunderclaps and a brace from Sunil Chhetri were the highlights of the skipper’s 100th appearance for India, as the hosts thrashed Kenya 3-0 at the packed Mumbai Football Arena on Monday.
Between Chhetri’s secondhalf strikes was sandwiched Jeje Lalpekhlua’s goal that virtually booked India’s spot in the final of the Intercontinental Cup.
Chhetri had appealed for support and the fans obliged. More than 9000 spectators braved showers to witness Chhetri’s landmark match.
Kenya - more adept at handling the soggy condition, having beaten New Zealand in similar circumstances in their opening match - dominated the midfield as puddles forced teams to resort to the aerial route.
India’s defence though stood its ground, thwarting the Kenyan attacks. With rain relenting in the second half, India started the session on a positive note, but it was Kenya who missed two opportunities in quick succession.
With some luck, India took the lead in the 68th minute. Chhetri, attempting to bring a long ball under control was brought down by Michael Kibwage inches outside the box. But the referee awarded a penalty, which was dispatched into the top left corner by the skipper.
Captain Musa Mayeko’s poor clearance of a Holicharan pass fell kindly at Jeje’s feet, who made no mistake in finding the top-right corner to double India’s lead three minutes later.
Chhetri, repaying the love and affection of the spectators, rounded off the game in added time. Substitute Balwant Singh threaded the ball through to the 33-year-old, who kept his composure and dinked the ball over the goalkeeper. On Tuesday, New Zealand face Chinese Taipei.