Indian striker Sunil Chhetri produced an outstanding performance in his team’s opening match of the SAFF Championship 2023 against Pakistan. Chhetri scored a hat-trick as India thrashed Pakistan 4-0 at the Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium in Bangalore on Wednesday.
The win was extra special for Chhetri, who reached another incredible milestone in his football career. He surpassed Malaysia’s Mokhtar Dahari to become the second-highest goalscorer in international matches ever, with 90 goals to his name in 138 appearances.
The 38-year-old forward also became the third-highest goalscorer among active players in international matches, behind only Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina.
Chhetri produced a dazzling display in the first half by scoring two goals, before completing his hat-trick with a penalty in the second half. Udanta Singh Kumam added India’s fourth goal to give his team an emphatic victory.
Pakistan last played football in India in 2014 when they drew a two-match series. The two teams also faced each other in the 2018 SAFF Championship in Bangladesh, with India winning 3-1.
India and Pakistan are in Group A of the eight-nation SAFF Championship, along with Kuwait and Nepal. Group B consists of Lebanon, Maldives, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Sunil Chhetri’s stunning performance and milestone make him a crucial player for India in their upcoming matches. With India’s dominant display against Pakistan, they must continue this momentum and aim for glory in the tournament.
