Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
New Delhi: Hosts India hammered Afghanistan 4-0 on Sunday to successfully retain the SAFF Championship title and outline their status as one of the favourites for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup which will take place next March.
Afghanistan, who were making their first appearance in the regional final after defeating AFC Challenge Cup hosts Nepal in extra-time of their semi on Friday, kept India at bay until the 71st minute when Sunil Chhetri broke the deadlock from the penalty spot.
The penalty, which was awarded for a foul on Jeje Lalpekhlua, was somewhat contentious and goalkeeper Afghan keeper Hameedullah Yousufzari made things worse for his side when he was sent off for pushing referee Sukhbir Singh while protesting the decision.
After his first penalty had to be retaken for encroachment, Chhetri fired the second past substitute keeper Bashir Ahmad Darman for his seventh of the campaign.
Darman, who came on for winger Ghulam Hoddein, was beaten for a second time eight minutes later after tournament MVP Chhetri set up Clifford Miranda for India's second before the Mohun Bagan star provided the assist as Lalpekhlua made it 3-0 with ten minutes remaining.
Substitute Sushil Singh sealed the win with a superb free-kick in stoppage-time as India comfortably won their sixth SAFF Championship title.