The India-Hong Kong clash turned out to be more than just a match for Anwar Ali. The man whose football career was over when he was told by the doctors about his rare heart disease as a teenager, made an emphatic comeback with a goal against Hong Kong, a side India had not beaten in 29 years. India beat Hong Kong by 4-0 to top Group D of AFC Asian Cup qualification.
Anwar started off the proceedings with an early goal (second minute) in the first half. He scored off Ashique Kuruniyan's corner. It was the 21-year-old’s first international goal in four years. The centreback was a star in Under-17 World Cup in 2017 which was hosted by India.
Later, skipper Sunil Chhetri continued his purple patch and scored just before half time (45th minute). With his 84th goal, he is just two goals behind Argentine legend Lionel Messi who is second on the list of top goal-scorers among active players.
For most of the second half, the scoreline remained same. Later in the second half, fresh legs were sent to the field by Igor Stimac and it made a difference. Manvir scored in the 85th minute against a frustrated Hong Kong side. Pandita extended the lead in the 93rd minute with another goal.
