India beat Hong Kong 4-0 in its third and final Group D match of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers third round at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Anwar Ali (1’) scored his maiden goal for India while captain Sunil Chhetri (45’) scored at the stroke of half-time. Manvir Singh (84’) and Ishan Pandita (91’) then got on the scoresheet to make it India’s biggest win under coach Igor Stimac, who has been in charge of the team since 2019.
With this win, India topped Group D points table with nine points. Hong Kong finished second with six points from three games.
Both India and Hong Kong had already qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
Sunil Chhetri scored his 84th international goal today courtesy of which, he equalled the tally of legendary Ferenc Puskas of Hungary.
The 2023 edition will be India’s fifth appearance at the AFC Asian Cup. India have played in the continental tournament on four occasions before – 1964, 1984, 2011 and 2019. The team’s best performance was a runners-up finish on their debut campaign in 1964.
India Starting XI: Gurpreet (GK), Roshan, Jhingan, Anwar, Akash, Jeakson, Suresh, Sahal, Udanta, Ashique, Sunil Chhetri (C).
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
