India enhanced their chances of making it to the final of the five-nation Nehru Cup football tournament with a 3-1 victory over Sri Lanka at the Ambedkar stadium in Delhi on Wednesday.
The Indians, who in the process registered their second straight victory after losing to Lebanon 0-1 in their opening match, led by a 25th minute goal at the breather, scored by captain Baichung Bhutia, who position himself well to head home a floater from Steven Dias.
They called the shots thereafter but had to cross over at the breather with just the slender lead.
In the second session too they held ascendancy but could only score after Don Ruwanthilake restored parity for the Lankans in the 62nd minute.
Gouramangi Singh made it 2-1 in the 69th minute, finishing off a fine free-kick from livewire Dias, before Dias himself got his name on the scoresheet in the 85th minute.
A free-kick from Dias helped India regain the lead as Lankan keeper Asanka Viraj fumbled with Pradeep's header. Gourmangi pounced on the ball and tapped it into the net.
Dias then put the issue safe after working his way up and scoring with a strong shot from the right edge of thebox.
The victory swelled India's tally to six points, with a match against Syria in hand. Syria, also with six points, plays Lebanon on Thursday.
Lebanon, with four points, will be hoping to upset Syria (6 points) and stay in contention for a berth in the final.
If Syria beats Lebanon, then India need only a draw against Syria to make it to the final.
Sri Lanka have three points from three matches.
Sri Lanka, who began their campaign with a stunning 4-3 win over Lebanon, were handed their second straight drubbing after losing 4-0 to Syria. They have three points from three matches
