Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri has put his weight behind Anwar Ali after the defender conceded an own goal in a 1-1 draw against Kuwait at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru in the final group stage match of the ongoing SAFF Championship.
Chhetri feels the whole team conceded that goal and it is not fair to single out Anwar Ali. The veteran was delighted with the performance of his team as they ticked a lot of right boxes. However, Chhetri was disappointed with the result as they conceded an own goal in the injury time towards the fag end.
In fact, the Indian captain had put his team in front in the stoppage time of the first half with a perfect volley but they could not hold on to that lead in the end.
“It happens, could happen to anyone. We don’t take technical mistakes too seriously. We just work on our efforts. I have missed some silly goals, somebody is going to make a rash challenge and we concede a penalty, it happens. We will work on our mistakes and get better, India conceded the goal, not Anwar Ali,” said Chhetri.
The talisman admitted that all teams in the SAFF Championship have been doing well and it is a good challenge for the Blue Tigers.
“All teams are doing well, but within the SAFF Nations and beyond, we have played Lebanon and they are a good team. Kuwait also was a tough challenge,” said the striker.
Chhetri scored his 92nd International goal and it was his 23rd goal in the SAFF Championship, becoming the joint-highest of the tournament with Maldives’ Ali Ashfaq.
Speaking on achieving personal milestones, Chhetri said, “I don’t take these things too seriously.”
The veteran also feels the team is not too over-reliant on his shoulders and they have come up with good performances in his absence.
“It is not a true statement that they are dependent on me. Without me also they have performed well. It’s not about Sunil Chhetri, there are many players who will come, many who are playing well right now. People talk about me all the time, but I am just a part of the team,” he concluded.
India takes on Lebanon on Saturday in the semifinal of the SAFF Championship.
