India turn on the heat, sink Maldives

Thiruvananthapuram, Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua scored a brilliant brace as the Indian football team stormed into the SAFF Cup final with a 3-2 win over Maldives here today.
Skipper Sunil Chhetri opened the scoring for the hosts in the 25th minute followed by Lalpekhlua’s (34th, 66th) brace which helped the six-time SAFF Cup champions seal a place in the final. Ahmed Nashid (45th) and Amdaan Ali (75th) were the goal-scorers for the visitors.
India extended their win record over the island nation in the knockout stages of the SAFF Cup to seven games.
Right from the start, the hosts went on the attack. Maldives yielded under the constant press as Chhetri headed the hosts ahead.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s shot from long range was kept out by goalkeeper Imran Mohamed. Chhetri got to the ball first and his shot went across the face of the goal. Holicharan Narzary sent in a perfectly measured cross from the right, which Chhetri headed into the right corner.
After the first goal, the hosts pressed on to extend their lead. Narzary’s deft chip over the Maldives defence set up Lalpekhlua, who beat the on-rushing goalkeeper with ease.
Two goals down, Maldives sensed urgency and succeeded in finding a goal. Nashid pulled one back in the last minute of the first half.
In the second half as well, the hosts took control of possession and pressed on.
With the clock striking the 66th minute, India got their third goal when Chhetri set up Lalpekhlua with a sublime pass into the box. Lalpekhlua got beyond Amdaan Ali to put the ball into the back of the net.
India had a lapse in concentration and Ali made the hosts pay in the 75th minute. After getting caught napping, India tightened up their defence and held on for the final 15 minutes.
India will face defending champions Afghanistan in the final on Sunday. Afghanistan thrashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in the other semifinal.
Saff Cup
Results (semifinals)
India bt Maldives 3-2
Afghanistan bt Sri Lanka 5-0