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Boys need to start learning to play without Sunil Chhetri: Igor Stimac

Stimac wants his attacking players to start learning to play without talisman Sunil Chhetri, and score some goals too. At 37, Chhetri is at the fag end of his career, but India still needed him to score the two goals and start their Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with a win over Cambodia here on Wednesday. Stimac said it's high time that players such as Udanta Singh, Manvir Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Sahal Abdul Samad and Liston Colaco start scoring.

Chhetri strikes twice as India make winning start to Asian Cup qualifying

HONG KONG :India's Sunil Chhetri scored twice to take his international tally to 82 goals in a 2-0 win over Cambodia on Wednesday in Kolkata as Igor Stimac's side made a winning start to the third round of qualifying for next year's Asian Cup.

Chhetri strikes twice to ensure India make winning start

HONG KONG : India's Sunil Chhetri scored twice to take his international tally to 82 goals in a 2-0 win over Cambodia on Wednesday in Kolkata as Igor Stimac's side made a winning start to the third round of qualifying for next year's Asian Cup.

Sunil Chhetri Brace Sinks Cambodia as India Begin Asian Cup Qualifiers With Win

Sunil Chhetri was once again the man of the moment as he struck a brace to inspire India to a 2-0 win over Cambodia in their opening match of the Asian Cup qualifying final round match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday. The Igor Stimac's side were far from their best and failed to make use of their better possession against a weak side but the 37-year-old returned Chhetri from an injury layoff to score on either side of the break (13th and 59th minute). The double strike brought him back to the third place in the list of highest scorers among active footballers in the world. With 82 goals from 127 matches, Chhetri now sits behind Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (117) and Argentine virtuoso Lionel Messi (86).

Sunil Chhetri brace sinks Cambodia as Indian team begins Asian Cup qualifiers campaign with a win

Sunil Chhetri was once again the man of the moment as he struck a brace to inspire India to a 2-0 win over Cambodia in their opening match of the Asian Cup qualifying final round match at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Wednesday. Igor Stimac's side were far from their best and failed to make use of their better possession against a weak side but the 37-year-old returned Chhetri from an injury layoff to score on either side of the break (13th and 59th minute). The double strike brought him back to the third place in the list of highest scorers among active footballers in the world. With 82 goals from 127 matches, Chhetri now sits behind Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (117) and Argentine virtuoso Lionel Messi (86). Following a tense start that saw their star centre-back Sandesh Jhingan earn a third minute yellow card for arguing with the referee, Chhetri settled the nerves converting a 14th minute penalty in a calm-headed way.

With Asian Cup spot up for grabs, 'favourites' India face their moment of truth

Stimac have blown hot and cold, setting a high standard with some spectacular defensive shows against Asian powerhouses but also embracing inconsistency failing to get it over the line against relatively easier opponents. Come Wednesday, the Stimac project in Indian football will be facing its moment of truth. As India take on Cambodia to begin their campaign at the third and final round of Asian Cup qualifiers at the Salt Lake Stadium, not only a place in the game's biggest stage in the continent will be up for grabs, but it is also expected to define the team's evolution under the former Croatian World Cupper.

Sahal Abdul Samad eyes piece of history with India at AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

As the national team begins their third round of qualification for the continental showpiece against Cambodia on Wednesday, 25-year-old Sahal wants to do for football what fellow Keralites HS Prannoy and Arjun MR did for badminton when they helped India win the prestigious Thomas Cup last month. “To watch that Thomas Cup win was an inspirational moment for me as an Indian. We are really happy for them,” Sahal said.

Everyone wants to be at World Cup, Asian Cup first step towards dream: Sandesh Jhingan

Asian Cup, Indian National team defender Sandesh Jhingan believes India needs to be a regular in Asia's showpiece football tournament, to achieve the 'ultimate dream' of playing in the FIFA World Cup. Speaking on the eve of India's first match of their Group D third-round qualifier against Cambodia in Kolkata on Wednesday, Jhingan said, "Everyone wants to be at the World Cup, every football fan and player. To reach that level, we need to be regulars in the Asian Cup. I am not saying it is easy but it should mean without a doubt that India is always in the Asian Cup. That is the first stepping stone to going toward the ultimate dream."

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Cambodia Sport News

Boys need to start learning to play without Sunil Chhetri: Igor Stimac

Chhetri strikes twice as India make winning start to Asian Cup qualifying

Chhetri strikes twice to ensure India make winning start

Sunil Chhetri Brace Sinks Cambodia as India Begin Asian Cup Qualifiers With Win

Sunil Chhetri brace sinks Cambodia as Indian team begins Asian Cup qualifiers campaign with a win

With Asian Cup spot up for grabs, 'favourites' India face their moment of truth

Sahal Abdul Samad eyes piece of history with India at AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Everyone wants to be at World Cup, Asian Cup first step towards dream: Sandesh Jhingan