The Indian men’s football team emerged victorious in their match against Nepal, securing their place in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship 2023. The game took place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Sunil Chhetri and Mahesh Singh were the goal-scorers for the Indian team, with Chhetri scoring in the 61st minute and Singh scoring in the 70th minute. This victory also marked India’s eighth consecutive clean sheet in international matches and kept their unbeaten streak alive.

With this win, India moved up to second place in Group A of the SAFF Championship 2023. Earlier in the day, Kuwait defeated Pakistan with a score of 4-0 and currently tops the group based on goals scored.

The Indian team, ranked 101st in the world, made eight changes to the starting lineup for this match. The team’s coach, Igor Stimac, who was suspended for this fixture, made strategic alterations to give opportunities to different players. The team played in a 4-3-3 formation and employed a high-pressing strategy throughout the game. The Indian wingers put pressure on the Nepal defense, while Nepal focused on maintaining possession and launched counter-attacks when possible.

India had a chance to take the lead early in the game, but the attackers failed to convert the opportunity. Sahal Abdul Samad intercepted a cross in the Nepal half and attempted to score, but was stopped by the opponent’s defenders. Shortly after, Samad received a pass from the left and took a shot, but it went wide of the goal.

The Nepal team, ranked 174th in the FIFA rankings, also had their moments in the game. In the 17th minute, Alik Bista volleyed a loose ball from a corner-kick, but was denied a goal by a save from Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

As the match progressed, India continued to press forward in search of a breakthrough. However, they were unable to find the back of the net in the first half, and the score remained goalless at halftime.

In the second half, India started with purpose and displayed precise passing and intent. Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh created scoring opportunities for India, while Akash Mishra and Mahesh Singh made overlapping runs. In the 61st minute, Mahesh Singh sprinted down the left flank and crossed the ball to an unmarked Sunil Chhetri, who scored his 91st international goal.

Buoyed by the lead, India continued to apply pressure on the Nepal half. In the 70th minute, Sahal Abdul Samad played a well-placed through-ball to Chhetri, whose shot hit the crossbar. However, Mahesh Singh was there to head the ball into the net, doubling India’s lead.

With a comfortable two-goal advantage, India controlled the game and slowed down the tempo to secure their second consecutive victory in the SAFF Championship 2023.

Sunil Chhetri’s goal in this match also solidified his position as the third highest goal-scorer in international football among active players, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

In their final Group A match, India will face Kuwait on Tuesday.