Playing in his second Asian Cup and 105th match, Chhetri scored in the 27th (penalty) and 46th minutes for his 66th and 67th international goals. With his two strikes, the 34-year-old Chhetri went past Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who has so far scored 65 goals from 128 matches. Taking part in their fourth Asian Cup, this was India’s third win in 11 matches. Ashique’s shot deflected from the Thai goalkeeper and hit defender Theerathon Bunmathan’s hand and the Hong Kong referee pointed to the dreaded spot. Halicharan Narzary sent a pint-point pass to Udanta who rounded up the Thai goalkeeper and left the ball for Thapa to chip over a couple of defenders on the top corner of the net.

Source: Mint January 06, 2019 15:45 UTC