India got off to a splendid start against Pakistan in their SAFF Championship match at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. While this was a much-anticipated game, given India were up against their arch-rivals captain Sunil Chhetri ensured that he kept his cool and was helped early by a blunder from the Pakistan keeper Saqib Hanif. Given his class, the Indian skipper and record international goal-scorer needed no second invitation to tap the ball and put India ahead in just the 10th minute.
While it was a back pass to the keeper, Hanif the team's designated shot stopper kicked the ball to his right seeing Chhetri charge at him. The Indian captain's ploy of putting some pressure on the keeper worked wonders as the keeper failed to keep control of the ball and Chhetri pounced on to that opportunity to score as he slotted the ball into the back of the net. Not much later, India were awarded a penalty and Chhetri stepped up to take it and ensured that India go 2-0 up in the first half with a clinical finish.
The video of the Chhetri's first goal which followed the error from the Pakistani goalie has surfaced on social media.
Take a look:
Talking about the match, Pakistan have looked rustic against the Blue Tigers against this match and have made plenty of errors. India too have had their share of mistakes with their manager Igor Stimac even receiving a red-card on the bench but on the field, they have looked the better side. There were a few other chances as well which had they taken would have meant a more prominent scoreline in India's favour. However, India would now look to bag the three points after their recent Intercontinental Cup triumph.