Sunil Chhetri stars as India prevails over Lebanon to lift the Hero Intercontinental Cup

In the crucial final of the Intercontinental Cup 2023, India’s inspirational leader Sunil Chhetri proved his worth by scoring the vital opening goal for Igor Stimac’s team, leading the Blue Tigers to a dominant victory over a young Lebanon side in Bhubaneswar.

Also Read: What Key Issues National Coach Igor Stimac wants to address to benefit Indian Football?

Chhetri, the highest goal-scorer in Indian men’s football history, lived up to his reputation as the ‘captain fantastic’ in the summit clash against Lebanon at the renowned Kalinga Stadium.

In their previous encounter tballat the Intercontinental Cup, Chhetri had been unable to find the back of the net against Lebanon. However, in a captivating first half of the summit clash, Team India took the lead through Chhetri, who skillfully converted a brilliant cross from Lallianzuala Chhangte to score the first goal of the contest.

Nikhil Poojary’s backheal nutmeg, Chhangte’ quick double touch pass and Sunil Chhetri’s One touch finish.💙
What a beautiful setup for the goal. 🇮🇳#IndianFootball #INDIAvsLEBANON pic.twitter.com/OfUwjNofjX

— Krishnendu Banerjee® (@KBakaRantu) June 18, 2023

Demonstrating his scoring prowess in the second half, Chhetri struck again from close range in the 46th minute, breaking the deadlock after three goalless halves against Lebanon. India extended their lead in the 66th minute with a second goal, orchestrated by Chhangte, who added his name to the scoresheet with a poacher’s finish.

In a sequence of play, Mahesh received an enticing pass from Captain Chhetri and unleashed a low shot on goal that was saved by Ali Sabek. Although Sabek denied Mahesh’s attempt, he couldn’t stop Chhangte, who was perfectly positioned to give India a 2-0 advantage in the second half.

#HeroIntercontinentalCup#Chhangte in on 🔥
1 assist
And this Goal was composed…#mahesh made an impact as soon as comes in#BlueTigers #backthetigers pic.twitter.com/IrWGf2yATi

— Nithil Imayam (@NITHILIMAYAM) June 18, 2023

Lebanon’s best opportunity for a consolation goal came in the 80th minute when Captain Hassan Maatouk narrowly missed converting a delightful low cross from the left wing. The Indian defense, led by superstar Sandesh Jhingan, held firm and ensured that India finished ahead of Lebanon, clinching the Intercontinental Cup at the Kalinga Stadium.

Earlier in the tournament, Team India secured victories over Mongolia (2-0) and Vanuatu (1-0) to claim the top position in the standings. They also played a goalless draw against Lebanon before defeating them 2-0 in the summit clash at the Kalinga Stadium.