India beats Afghanistan 4-0 to defend SAFF title

India beats Afghanistan 4-0 to defend SAFF title

Published Dec. 11, 2011 12:48 p.m. ET

India scored four goals in the last 20 minutes to beat 10-man Afghanistan 4-0 and defend its South Asian Football Federation title on Sunday.

Afghanistan held out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium until the 71st minute when India was awarded a contentious penalty kick. Goalkeeper Hameedullah Yousefzari was so angry with the decision, he pushed the referee and earned himself a red card.

Striker Sunil Chhetri converted the spot kick to open the floodgates before Clifford Miranda (79th) and Jeje Lalpeklua (80th) scored in quick succession to make it 3-0.

Sushil Singh sealed the win in injury time against a hapless Afghanistan team playing its first SAF final after a shock 1-0 win over Nepal in the semifinals.

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