India edge out Malaysia 3-2 in friendly

Riding on a brace from star striker Sunil Chhetri, India defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the second international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata, on Wednesday.

For India, Chhetri scored twice -- in the 39th and the 53rd minute and fellow striker Jeje Lalpekhlua found the back of the net in 47th minute; while for Malaysia, Mohd. Sali Mohd Safee scored in the 45th and 59th minute.

The Indians played positive football and dominated proceedings in both the sessions. In fact, the Indians could have won by a bigger margin but for some inept finishing.

Coach Savio Medeira was a pleased man. "The boys played their hearts out," he said. "It's good to end with a victory. We did make quite a few changes in the playing XI and it paid off," he added. "The SAFF Championship is knocking at the door and we needed to give a chance to everyone to gauge their match temperament."

The first International Friendly between the two teams had ended 1-1.