NEW DELHI: Hosts India outplayed Maldives 3-2 in the semi-final clash to enter the final of the SAFF cup in Thiruvanthapuram today.
India started off on a good note as they took the lead in the 24th minute when Sunil Chhetri found the back of the net off a Holicharana Narzary cross. Narzary was again in the thick of things as his pass found Lalpekhlua in the perfect spot in the 33rd minute, who did not commit any mistake to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
Despite the early setback, Maldives reduced the gap in the dying minutes of the first half as Nashid Ahmed took advantage of a defensive error. But again Lalpekhlua gave India a two goal cushion in the 65th minute with a brilliant strike.
But Maldives pulled one back in the 75th minute as Amdhan Ali scored from a corner to give the visitors a ray of hope. However, it was too late to as the hosts wrapped up the issue in their favour. (AGENCIES)
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