Showing good improvement over its previous result, India outplayed Nepal 2-0 in the second FIFA international football friendly at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri on Tuesday.
Captain Sunil Chetri and Clifford Miranda scored once each to realise the winning scoreline for India, which was held to a 1-1 draw by the Philippines at the same venue barely four days ago.
The host commanded the proceedings, going into the attack against a not so composed opposition right from the start.
Chetri found the lead in the 21st minute, making the most of a rebound after an attempt from his upfront colleague, Robin Singh, was parried by the Nepal goalkeeper Kiran Limbu.
Chetri’s feat
While ensuring the lead for India, Chetri took his personal tally to 43 international goals and went past Baichung Bhutia as India’s highest-ever goal-scorer. Bhutia was present at the stadium and congratulated Chetri on his feat.
Miranda seals it
Clifford Miranda sealed the issue for India when he found the target off a cross from Robin in the 49th minute.
India had more chances to widen the margin but Lalrindika Ralte and Robin missed the mark from close on their turns.
The result:
India 2 (Chetri 21, Miranda 49) bt Nepal 0.
