Kolkata, June 9 (UNI): Ahead of their second match against Afghanistan, Indian senior team coach Igor Stimac on Thursday extended a big “Thank You” to his boys for producing a 2-0 win over Cambodia in the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers final round in Group D on Wednesday night.
Talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri struck twice and took his international tally to 82 goals on Wednesday against the visiting side. The goals gave India all three points and they topped the group, ensuring the hosts keep pace with Hong Kong following the earlier win by Jorn Andersen’s outfit over Afghanistan (2-1).
Only the group winners are sure to advance to the Finals, where they will be joined at the 24-team showpiece by the five runners-up with the best records across the six qualifying groups.
“I need to say a big thank you to all the boys. I had asked for two things from them – a clean sheet, and goals. I would have been happier if we scored more goals. But I am happy and confident of what’s coming up,” Stimac said.
India next play Afghanistan in their second match on June 11 at the Salt Lake Stadium. Afghanistan had gone down to Hong Kong 1-2 in their opening encounter.
