AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Happy to win and keep a clean sheet, but we can do better – India captain Sunil Chhetri

India’s football captain Sunil Chhetri was delighted after they defeated Cambodia by 2-0 in their opening fixture of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Thursday. However, the talisman also admitted they can do better in the upcoming matches.

Chhetri led from the front as he scored a brace for the Blue Tigers. The linchpin opened the account for the team in the 14th minute when he converted the penalty. Subsequently, Chhetri scored in the 60th minute to give a 2-0 lead to his team.

Chhetri’s brace has helped him take his International tally to 82 goals as he continues to deliver the goods despite turning 37. Both the teams played in humid conditions and the Indian skipper feels they were not able to maintain the tempo of the game.

Sunil Chhetri said in the post-match press conference, “We are happy with the clean sheet. There are a lot of things that we could have done better. I am not trying to be harsh. The weather was very humid and of course, it was the same for both teams. The tempo of the game could not be maintained for a longer time. It was really humid. I’m not trying to give an excuse but at the end of the day to keep a clean sheet and get the three points was very important and we did. I’m sure the coach will have a lot of things to say when he watches the videos. Overall, to start on a good note and keep a clean sheet feels good.”

Meanwhile, the home team was dominant throughout the game, especially in the first half of play. Chhetri feels they should have scored more goals but they could not grab all of their chances.

He added, “We should have got more goals. In international football you don’t get the opportunity where you can get in your players and get into places where you can cross and do some damage. I think we coulnd’t utilise that as much as we should have. But again I’m probably being just old and throwing tantrums, At the end of the day, I’m very happy that we got the three points.”

On the other hand, getting off to a good start in the tournament was on top of India’s agenda and they were able to do that. Chhetri feels winning the opening game of their Group D clash will definitely help them settle their nerves for the forthcoming matches.

The veteran added, “Yes, a little bit. It’s always good to start. It’s important especially when you have just one match per team. The margin for error is very small. You have to take your three points if you can. When you work really hard to keep clean sheets, it always pays dividends.”

India will next face Afghanistan on Saturday at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.