Sunil Chhetri becomes second highest active goalscorer after brace against Bangladesh

India’s football captain Sunil Chhetri keeps delivering the goods for the national team. Chhetri was once again at his absolute best against Bangladesh in the 2022 World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Champions joint qualifiers at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday.

India dominated the possession by 74% and took control from the get-go. However, the Blue Tigers couldn’t find the back of the net in the first half. Chhetri broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a header after a cross from Ashique Kuruniyan. Subsequently, the talisman scored his second of the night in stoppage time after a fine assist from Suresh.

Consequently, Chhetri scored a brace as he once again delivered for the team. He scored his 73rd and 74th international goals in the second half and thus has gone past UAE’s Ali Mabkhout who has 73 goals under his belt.

Thus, the linchpin has now become the second highest active goalscorer and he is only behind Cristaino Ronaldo. The Portugal international has scored 103 goals in his glorious career. On the other hand, Argentine Lionel Messi is fourth on the list of highest active goalscorers as he has found the back of the net on 72 occasions in 143 matches.

India next face Afghanistan on June 15th at the same venue as they will hope to finish third in Group E which would seal their place in the 2023 Asian Cup. India is now placed at the third place in the second round group E.

Chhetri will look to continue his good form against the Afghanistan team. Furthermore, the 36-year old veteran has equaled legendary Indian footballer IM Vijayan’s record of most goals (four) in winning causes in World Cup qualifiers.