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India hammers Tajikistan to clinch the AFC Challenge Cup, thanks to a hat-trick from the brilliant Sunil Chhetri. This win will see India gain a place in the Asia Cup Football to be held in Qatar, 2011 after a long 24 years.
India 4 - 1 Tajikstan
Goal scorers :: Chhetri [9', 23', 75'], Bhutia [18'] IND
Fatkhuloev[42'] TAJ
Man of the Match :: Sunil Chhetri
The Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi saw the Indian side scoring four goals against a tough and experienced Tajik side. India played cautiously by defending deep and relied on quick counter attacks through long balls.
Sunil Chhetri, the hat-trick hero, opened the scoring in the ninth minute, tapping in a re-bound from the Tajik goalkeeper who could just parry a powerful Pradeep header.
The Indian captian, Bhaichung Bhutia, turned in a Samir Naik cross from the left flank in the fifteenth minute. It was a brilliant goal, scoring off the volley and finding the top right corner, with his weaker foot.
Chhetri made it 3-0 with a wonderful drive low into the left side of the Tajik goal. India and Bob Houghton were seemed happy, although Tajik pulled one back in the 42' by a long range cracker from Fatkhuloev. It was Anwar's compalcency that led to the goal.
Mehrajuddin Wadoo, who came on for an injured Pradeep, was unlucky as his shot came off the post in the dying minutes of the first half.
India started the second period cautiously, defending deep and employing Climax Lawrence as an extra defender. Tajikistan relied on long shots, most of them going well wide. Tajik captain and centre-half, Nasriov, came forward to help the attack.
The Indian custodian, Subrato Pal, denied Tajik strikers many times. He had a great day under the bar, keeping the long rangers and close range shots out.
India were seen defending and clearing the ball out to safety in the second half. Tajikstan played well, but the goals did not come. Indian centre-back, Gourmangi Singh, had a go in the 56' but the 22-year old's shot ricocheted off the post.
Later in the second half, a solo run into the Tajik left flank by the pacy Chhetri resulted in the fourth goal. It was an error by the Tajik goalkeeper that led to the final goal of the match.
This win will give India a lot of confidence, their second major title in the span of a year. Bob Houghton has certainly instilled faith in Indian footballers and fans, the results prove it - India have lost only 3 in 29 matches they played under him.
Written by Abhilash Manapatt
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