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India win AFC Challenge Cup

India beat Tajikistan by 4-1 to win the finals of the AFC Challenge Cup played at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi earlier today. Sunil Chhetri’s hat-trick did the trick as the Indians trashed Tajikistan resulting in direct qualification for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Doha. It would be hard to believe but India has finally qualified for the AFC Asian Cup after almost 24 years.

The Indians outplayed Tajikistan in all departments of the game as they played on of the best matches they have played in recent times. Baichung Bhutia scored the third goal for India in the 23rd minute while Sunil Chhetri scored his three goals in the 9th, 19th and 75th minute of the game. The only goal by Tajikistan was scored by Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev in the 44th minute.

India also won the AFC fair play award while Skipper Baichung was voted as the most valuable player of the tournament and DPR Korea’s Pak Song Chol won the highest scorer award for scoring six goals.

Source : PTI / Hindustantimes.com

Tags: 2008, afc challenge cup, AFC Cup, Baichung Bhutia, Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev, India, Sunil Chhetri, Tajikistan