Indian men’s football team reached the final of SAFF Championship 2021 on Wednesday with a 3-1 win over host Maldives. Sunil Chhetri scored a brace and Manvir Singh scored one to help India come out victorious. India will meet Nepal in the final, whom they had defeated earlier in the tournament.
In a must win game for Blue Tigers, Manvir Singh gave India the lead in 33’. However, Pritam’s Kotal’s foul in the penalty box help Maldives come back in the match in 45’. Ali Ashfaq equalized through penalty.
Skipper Sunil Chhetri once again came as rescuer for India as he scored a brace in 62’ & 71’ to ensure India finish at top of table and qualify for the finals.
However, in 81’ Indian head coach Igor Stimac was sent off after the referee showed him a second yellow of the night. In the stoppage time, Subhasish Bose took a second yellow and was sent off for a reckless foul. In the final, Stimac will not be on the sidelines as the coach for India while Subhasish will not be available in defence.
Picture Courtesy: Indian Football Twitter
