‘It feels great to celebrate my 17th year as Indian international with a win’ – says Captain Sunil Chhetri

The Indian football team showed tremendous heart and character in their last outing against Afghanistan as Sahal Abdul Samad became the hero for the Blue Tigers who helped them secure a 2-1 win in a crucial Asian Cup qualifier. It was Sunil Chhetri who broke the deadlock with a stunning freekick but substitute Zubayr Amiri returned the favour as he headed the ballpast Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal.

India were the dominant team as they controlled possession and had more shots on target but they failed to find the net until Chhetri came up with a surprise. He is in his 17th year as an Indian national and the 37-year-old is over the moon with the way the landmark was celebrated. India are almost on the verge of qualification and winning against Hong Kong will surely confirm their place Asian Cup.

The day after the Afghanistan win, the team spirit and the attitude revolving around the team was similar to what was on display in the pitch. It was a great to see most of the players stepping up to the occasion while the fans backed them with their relentless support from the stands.

Marking his 17th year in Indian football, Sunil Chhetri highlighted how he thought that the match was about to end in a draw. He feels that these milestones does not mean much if the ultimate goal is not achieved. “It feels great to celebrate my 17th year in international football in this fashion. I felt that maybe we will be splitting the points after Afghanistan equalised. But the boys did what they did. But at the same time, such milestones don’t mean much to me. I am honoured and privileged to wear the National team jersey for so long,” Chhetri shared.

This a moment where India were in trouble and their talismanic captain, Sunil Chhetri was subbed out and they needed someone to step up and that’s what Sahal did coming off the bench and scoring the decisive goal in the 91st minute. Indian national team head coach Igor Stimac shared, “We were Blue Tigers in the match against Afghanistan, and that’s what they need to be on the pitch. That’s our intent, keeping the pride intact.”

Lastly the golden boy of the moment who scored the decisive goal, Sahal was very excited as he said he backed himself fully to place it past the goalkeeper when he took the ball in his stride.  “I am very much excited, and happy. The victory was earned in front of the fans, and hence, it tastes sweeter. I had to back myself, and placed it beyond the goalkeeper. And even before I could realise, the entire team was there to celebrate,” Sahal shared the match winning moment.