AFC Asian Cup Qualifier: Sunil Chettri's late strike helps India clinch 1-0 victory against Mynmar in tournament opener

India beat Mynamar 1-0 to begin their AFC Asian Cup qualifier on a winning note. Skipper Sunil Chettri's late strike took the visiting team home to what has been a thrilling game of football on the turf on Yangoon in Myanmar. 

The campaign opener against Myanmar was hailed as tricky one owing to India's poor overseas record in Asian Cup qualifiers. India started the game as the stronger side on paper and on recent form as well.

India ends a 64-year long wait to defeat Myanmar at their home, with @chetrisunil11 scoring the winner.#MYAvIND #BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/3CjCt99KKa

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 28, 2017

The 'Blue Tigers' were high on confidence after winning their international friendly against Cambodia 3-2 on March 22. The win against Cambodia was 'Blue Tigers' first major victory outside their den in almost a decade.

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India are drawn against Myanmar, Macau and Kyrgyzstan in the Asian Cup qualifying campaign. The win against Myanmar shall boost their chance of qualifying for the coveted AFC Asian Cup in 2019.

India are next scheduled to face Kyrgyzstan on June 13th.