AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Samad, Chhetri star as India beat Afghanistan in dramatic finish

In a nail-biting encounter, India beat Afghanistan 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in their 2nd AFC Asian Cup qualifiers group match.

Indian captain Sunil Chhetri scored the opener for the hosts in the 86th minute of the game. The visitors equalised moments later with the help of Zabayr Amiri's goal. However, Sahal Abdul Samad gave Blue Tigers the victory with a brilliant goal in injury time.

Also read: 'Catastrophic', Sunil Chhetri fears FIFA ban on India in his 'last games'

After his strike against Afghanistan, Sunil Chhetri, the third highest active international goalscorer is now just 3 goals behind Lionel Messi who is currently second on the list.

India had thrashed Cambodia in their opener and with the win against Afghanistan, India are assured of finishing second in Group D and will play their next match against top-placed Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Also read: AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri stars in India's win over Cambodia