Top 5 Goals Scored By Sunil Chhetri

When you talk about football, especially Indian football history, you can't skip the name of Indian Football captain Sunil Chhetri. Famously called "Skip", Chhetri is known as the heart and soul of Indian football for keeping the sport in the limelight in India despite being overshadowed by Cricket. Chhetri has been the best football player in India for over 20 years. Over the years, Sunil Chhetri started his illustrious career in the National Football League and has seen the evolution of Indian football and the Indian Super League. He's been the man to watch out for in the Indian football team, repeatedly leading them to many glories and achievements in the last few decades. In this blog, we take a look at the top five goals scored by Sunil Chhetri.

Top Five Goals Scored By Sunil Chhetri

1. Sunil Chhetri vs Kyrgyz Republic - 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The game against the Kyrgyz Republic in the Asian Cup qualifier in Bangalore was crucial, considering the stakes at hand. The match was in balance, with the Blue Tigers struggling to find openings. However, it took one moment of pure magic from Sunil Chhetri to break free. While Chhetri did score the goal, all the credit goes to the pass by Jeje Lalpekhlua. It was one of the best passes in the match because there was no space, and the ball could only have been passed exactly the way Jeje did. He effortlessly bypassed two more tackles with remarkable pace and then selflessly passed the ball to his fellow striker Jeje. Jeje then chipped a perfectly timed through ball to Chhetri, who executed an audacious volley that sailed past the outstretching goalkeeper to give India the lead. This goal displayed Chhetri's diverse skill set as he went past multiple defenders and mid-fielders. India got the crucial goal thanks to the combination and understanding between Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua. It was an important goal because India needed the three points to stay firmly in the qualifying race. Sunil Chhetri has been part of some of the best India Football moments in his 19-year career.

2. Sunil Chhetri vs Myanmar - 2017 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The 2017 masterclass has to be one of the best Asian Cup qualifier goals. Sunil Chhetri broke the jinx and scored against Myanmar in Yangon. A last-minute strike by Sunil Chhetri helped India break a 64-year-old jinx as they beat Myanmar by a solitary goal to begin their AFC Asian Cup qualifiers campaign. India had not beaten Myanmar in their den since October 1953. Substitute Udanta Singh played a crucial role in producing that cross with his unbelievable run. The match was played on March 28, 2017, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Yangon. The historic last-minute strike by Sunil Chhetri helped India break a 64-year-old away match jinx as they collected three vital points. 'Skip' Sunil Chhetri remains one of the top Indian players in Football news, even though India is not performing that well.

3. Sunil Chhetri vs Afghanistan - 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Once again, India was in a spot of bother as all hopes were on India captain Sunil Chhetri. The Blue Tigers arrived in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in a must-win scenario against Afghanistan. The Afghans posed a daunting challenge throughout the game and held their ground for 85 minutes. However, in a game-changing moment, Afghanistan conceded a free-kick near the edge of the box with just five minutes left. The Indian fans were hoping for Sunil Chhetri magic. The moment was perfect to be right there when it comes to Sunil Chhetri football records. Indian captain Chhetri stepped up confidently and executed the free-kick with ease. It was a moment of pure brilliance, as if it was just another day at the office for the Indian football legend.

4. Sunil Chhetri vs Thailand - 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India returned to the Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2019 with sky-high expectations as the Blue Tigers aimed to go all the way in the tournament after 55 years. Once again, the onus was on Indian captain Sunil Chhetri, who has scored the highest goals in football. The captain fantastic scored the first goal of the game from the penalty spot, but Thailand equalized. In a game-changing moment, just 40 seconds into the second half, Chhetri found himself in space and arrived in the right place at the right time to meet Udanta Singh's pass. Chhetri's expertly found the top corner. India won the game 4-1, but Chhetri’s contribution will undoubtedly remain etched in memory for a long time. The three points in the very first match were very important. It was also their first win in the final rounds since 1964.

5. Sunil Chhetri vs Kenya - 2018 Intercontinental Cup

After defeating Chinese Taipei by 5-0, India was up against Kenya in the group stage of the 2018 Intercontinental Cup. The Indian captain opened the account with a penalty, while Jeje Lalphekula doubled their lead in the second half. In a moment of individual brilliance, the goalkeeper came ahead to stop Sunil Chhetri, who had a defender behind him. Chipping the ball from that position with the defenders in pursuit and the goalkeeper swiftly closing the angle was very difficult. Chhetri swiftly chipped the ball over the keeper from the edge of the box, sending the crowd into a frenzy with the goal as India won 3-0.