India has reached the final of the SAFF Championship 2021 after beating hosts the Maldives 3-1.
India who looked dangerous from the first whistle took the lead in the 33rd minute of the match after Manvir Singh beat Maldivian keeper Mohamed Faisal at his near post with a clear and powerful shot.
The Maldives leveled before the half concluded as Ali Ashfaq converted from the spot after an Indian defender had felled Mohamed Hamza in the penalty area.
The second half proved to be decisive for India who needed a win to proceed in the tournament and they won in style with two goals from the ever-green Sunil Chhetri.
He scored first in the 62nd minute with an angled shot after Manvir Singh had laid off the ball nicely for him and his second for the night came from a looping header that alluded the Maldivian keeper and sneaked into the top corner.
With these goals, Chhetri has now become the joint 6th highest goal scorer in the world with 79 goals in 123 appearances for the national team.
India will face Nepal in the final match and it would be played on the 16th of this month.
