India beats Nepal 2-0; Chhetri becomes India's highest scorer

New Delhi: India coach Wim Koevermans had promised that his wards would bounce back after a disappointing loss to Nepal in the SAFF Cup final back in September.

On Tuesday , the national team lived up to that promise with a well earned 2-0 win over their Himalayan neighbours at the Kachenjunga Stadium in Siliguri. Captain Sunil Chhetri put India ahead in the 21st minute. Mid-fielder Clifford Miranda (49th) doubled the lead just after the re-start. Chhetri is now India's highest ever goal scorer with 43 strikes to his name.

The two teams were meeting for the first time after Nepal had defeated India in the final of the SAFF Cup in September and the hosts will take some consolation from this victory. The Indians turned in a much better performance this time around and could have won by a bigger margin but were let down by some poor finishing.

The home side made their intentions clear right from the start, putting the rival defence under constant pressure. Nepal received a reprieve in the 14th minute when mid-fielder Francis Fernandes' shot from outside the box came off the crossbar, much to the disap pointment of the 18,000strong crowd.

Chhetri gave India the lead soon after when he latched on to the rebound after fellow striker Robin Singh's header off Miranda's cross was palmed away by Nepal goalkeeper Kiran Limbu.

Buoyed by the goal, the Indians created several chances before half-time, but were unable to capitalise. The hosts made their dominance count soon after the break when Miranda latched onto a cross from Robin to double the lead.

The Indians were unlucky not to get a third goal in the 61st minute.