India won AFC Challenge Cup and qualify for Asia Cup
Thursday, August 14th, 2008
India’s 24 years wait to qualify for the Asia Cup football tournament has end when Indian football team defeated defending champions Tajikistan 4-1 in the AFC Cup final played at the Ambedkar Stadium on Wednesday night. Sports Minister M S Gill congratulated the Indian football players as well as coach Bob Hougton and captain Baichung Bhutia for their achievement. Further he said “I want Indian Football team play in Olympics and win Gold medal for India.
Two-time Asian Games gold medallist India last played in the Asia Cup in 1984. Sunil Chhetri was hero of final; he scored three goals for India. Chhetri set up his first goal in the 9th minute, second goal in the 19th minute and India’s third goal in the 23rd minute. Thus Sunil Chhetri completed his hat trick in final of AFC Challenge Cup. While Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia scored one goal for India. Tajikistan tried to come back in the match but they could only one goal thus India won AFC Challenge Cup by 4-1.