India thrashes Kenya to win Intercontinental Cup

After a disappointing loss in the final league game against New Zealand, India put in a solid effort with skipper Chhetri leading the pack. Chhetri opened the scoring for the host in as early as the eighth minute, smashing a low ball from Anirudh Thapa off a free-kick. 

The captain later doubled the lead for India in the first half as he chested the ball off a long diagonal pass from defender Sandesh Jhingan and slotted it home with a left-footed strike in the 27th minute. 

With that goal, captain Chhetri equalled Argentine Lionel Messi international tally of 64 goals and is only next in line to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. He also extended his tournament tally to eight, his best ever performance. The ‘Men in Blue’ was in a comfortable position going in to the break with a two-goal lead, thanks to Chhetri’s brace. 

The visitor started the second half on a strong note and with much more intent. It did everything it could but it was not just its day. Kenya earned a free-kick near the edge of the 18-yard-box but wasted the opportunity by presenting it straight to Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. 

The African side kept the pressure on India but it was unable to put a name on the scoresheet. After storming its way into the final with a 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei, Kenya had to settle for the runner-up spot in the fourteam event.  

“This is one tournament that we’ve worked hard for. If I had to say something about the Mumbai fans, it’s been brilliant. Thank you so much to everyone of you,” said an elated Chhetri after India’s victory.