India won 2-0 against an energetic Nepal team, thanks to second-half goals by Sunil Chhetri and Naorem Mahesh Singh The victory has booked a semi-final spot for the Indian team, who are favourites to win the SAFF Championship.2️⃣ goals in quick succession 🤩 India are through to the #SAFFChampionship2023 Semifinal 👏🏽💙#NEPIND ⚔️ #IndianFootball ⚽️ #BlueTigers 🐯 pic.twitter.com/ByzfjsKSZY— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 24, 2023India is the second team, along with Kuwait, who have won both their group matches and advanced to the semi-finals.Second on-field brawl in as many matches for India overshadows victoryIndias clash against Nepal saw yet another on-field brawl break out between the teams after a similar incident happened in Indias first match against Pakistan.Fight breaks up with another South Asian Neighbour. Nepal, this time. pic.twitter.com/uh1Q79CMjd— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) June 24, 2023In the 64th minute – three minutes after Sunil Chhetris opening goal – an ugly fight broke out between Indias Rahul Bheke and Nepals Bimal Gharti Magar. The duo challenged for a 50-50 ball, which left the Nepalese player on the ground. He rushed towards Bheke, and a melee ensued between the teams, which led to Magar and Nikhil Poojary falling to the ground.However, the referee quickly took control of the proceedings, and no one was sent off.Never mess with Indian Football team #IndianFootball #NEPIND #Saffchampionship pic.twitter.com/B1DUfBgSpI— Hari (@Harii33) June 24, 2023Sunil Chhetri finds the back of the net againSunil Chhetri simply cannot stop scoring, and he found the back of the net in the 61st minute and scored a tap-in after a pass from Akash Mishra. This is goal number nine-one for the Indian captain, who is the third-highest international goal-scorer in the world, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Its that m̶a̶n̶ legend once again!@chetrisunil11#SAFFChampionship pic.twitter.com/wx1eSk4Y5E— FanCode (@FanCode) June 24, 2023Chhetri could have added to his tally again when his shot hit the crossbar in the 70th minute. The shot was turned in by Mahesh Singh for the second goal of the match and sealed the victory for India.Nepal coach proud of players despite SAFF exitNepals loss against India meant the end of the road for the Gorkhalis in the SAFF Championship. However, their performance made the Nepalese coach, Vincenzo Alberto Annese, claim that he is proud of what [they had] done.They held their own against a vastly superior Indian team in the first half and only got undone in the final third of the match. Annese attributed this to the Blue Tigers superior experience and preparation. However, they will take heart from the performance, and the team and their supporters will go back home from Bengaluru with their heads held high.
