Press Trust of India
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31: India pipped a spirited Maldives 3-2 to enter the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championships for a record 10th time after in-form Jeje Lalpekhlua struck twice in a thrilling semifinal, here Thursday. They will meet defending champions Afghanistan in the final Saturday. The Afghans hammered Sri Lanka 5-0 in the second semifinal played on the day. In the final of the last edition of the tournament, Afghanistan had beaten India.
Once again showing his scoring abilities after an impressive ISL display, Jeje found the net in the 34th and 66th minutes after skipper Sunil Chhetri put the hosts ahead with a nod in the 25th minute at the Trivandrum International Stadium, here.
Ahmed Nashi (45+2’) and Amdaan Ali (75) were on target for Maldives in a match that was marked by wonderful attacking play and poor defending.
Seeking a record seventh SAFF title, India were on the game from the word go as Chhetri played one to Arnab Mondal whose left-footed shot deflected off Jeje’s feet on its way into the back of the net. However, the 24-year-old Chennaiyin FC striker was ruled off-side.
In the 22nd minute, Holicharan Narzary’s flick off a Eugeneson Lyngdoh corner was cleared just in time by the Maldives’ defence. India soon broke the deadlock when the country’s all-time leading scorer Chhetri cashed in on a Narzary cross from the right and headed in the ball past the Maldives goalkeeper Imran.
There was another chance for India, but Imran kept out Jeje’s attempt before finally giving in when Narzary played one over the Maldives defence to Jeje, who slotted it in past the hapless goalkeeper to make it 2-0 for the home side.
The 160th ranked Maldives looked desperate for a goal and Ahmed Nashid delivered the goods for the visiting side when he made use of a pass from Imaaz, who received the ball from Ali Ashfaq.
Almost certain to improve on their current FIFA ranking of 166 after this win, India were celebrating again as Jeje made it 3-1. Chhetri played one for Jeje inside the box and the Mizo lad dribbled past Amdaan Ali and then Shafiu Ahmed before placing the ball to the goalkeeper’s right and wheeling away in delight.
With a cushion of two goals, Constantine decided to substitute Chhetri with the highly- promising Chhangte Lallianzuala in the 74th minute. A minute later, Maldives gave themselves hope with a strike through Ali Amdaan, who headed in a corner after outjumping Arnab.
Even as Maldives desperately tried to look for an equaliser, India, who attacked with flair, held onto the lead to emerge triumphant after two brilliant defensive assists from Narzary.
