Indian captain Sunil Chhetri strike twice to beat Bangladesh 2-0

Players of India and Bangladesh in action during a Football Match, at the 12th South Asian Games-2016, in Guwahati on February 13, 2016. Wikimedia commons

Dhaka– Indian captain Sunil Chhetri scored twice to beat Bangladesh 2-0 after about 12 years in a crucial FIFA World Cup and AFC qualifying match at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Monday.

With the day's well deserved victory, India  advanced to the 3rd slot in the five-team group E for the first time toppling Afghanistan.  Securing six points from seven matches, India brightened their chance to qualify for the next round of the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

The match was goalless until the 78th minute. But Indian captain cum celebrated footballer Sunil Chhetri came to his team’s rescue sending the ball twice to the post in a span of only 12 minutes, leaving Bangladeshi fans stunned.

Sunil put India ahead in the 79th minute by an eye- catching header from goal mouth melee (1-0).

He sealed the Indian victory scoring his 2nd goal (2-0) by a straight shot from danger zone in the stoppage time (90+2 minute). 

India deserved the victory dominating Bangladesh for most of the proceedings.

After the match, Bangladesh remained at the bottom of the five-team Group E, securing two points from seven matches.

Qatar is now leading the points table, securing 19 points from seven matches while Oman have secured 12 and Afghanistan five points.

Bangladesh played out a 1-1 draw against host India in their first-round group match in Kolkata 2019.

In their previous group match in Doha Thursday, Bangladesh drew 1-1 with Afghanistan while India conceded a 0-1 defeat against host Qatar.
 

In the day's match, Bangladesh made one change in their previous line up (played against Afghanistan) including Manik Hossain Mollah in place of injury-hit midfielder Sohel Rana.

Dependable defender Riyadul Hasan saved Bangladesh from a sure goal foiling an Indian attack from goal line in the 35th minute.

Bangladesh custodian Anisur Rahman Zico made at least four brilliant saves in the match.

Four Bangladeshi players--Rakib Hossain,Rahmat Miya Biplo Ahmed and Jamal Bhuyan were cautioned with yellow cards.

Bangladesh team in day's match: Anisur Rahman Zico, Rahmat Miya, Topu Barman, Riyadul Hasan, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Jamal Bhuyan (C),  Masuk Miya Zoni (Md Ibrahim), Manik Hossain Mollah,  Biplu Ahmed, Matin Miah (Sumon Reza) and Rakib Hossain (Mehdi Hasan).UNB