Kolkata:India completed their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2023 campaign in style at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata as they bagged a massive 4-0 win over Hong Kong in the final game of Group D. Anwar Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh and Ishan Pandita were the goalscorers for the Blue Tigers. Manvir Singh put the ball brilliantly in the 87th minute while Ishan Pandita scored in the 90+3′.
Sunil Chhetri and Anwar Ali found the net in the first half for India as the Blue Tigers claimed the first spot in the Group D. The talismanic captain equaled the Ferenc Puskas’ tally of 84 international goals while being the third-highest active goal scorer. However, India had qualified for the main round of the tournament albeit the win.
India started the game on a soaring high, when Anwar Ali found the net as early as the 56th second, making it the fastest goal India has scored since Igor Stimac took the charge. A cross from Roshan Singh, deflected by Ashique Kuruniyan, fell onto the defender who powerfully slotted it past the custodian, giving India a required lead and boost of morale. The electrifying atmosphere at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, filled with chants for the hosts, added to the confidence of the team.
India made numerous chances, testing the Hong Kong defense. Youngster Sahal Abdul and Jeakson Singh controlled the mid-field well-off creating fair opportunities for Sunil. Hong Kong struggled to make chances edging past Anwar Ali and Akash Mishra. Anwar Ali and Ashique Kuruniyan stole the show with their performance throughout the match. Ali saved a mistake of Gurpreet in the 70th minute.
Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Stadium of Kolkata cheered with full support. A crowd-packed stadium came forward to support their team in the last match of the qualifiers round. Rain couldn’t stop India from winning. The stadium was tight-packed despite the match being continued under the shower.
