We need to convert chances, says Chhetri

Kathmandu: Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri on Tuesday said that it would have been "a disaster" had his side lost to Bangladesh in their second group match in the SAFF Football Championships here.

Chhetri saved India from embarrassment as he scored the equaliser at the fag end of the injury time to play all a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh. "We dominated the match but missed many chances. It was our mistake and we feel guilty about it," Chhetri said after the match. The goal took Chhetri past IM Viajayan and he presently has 41 international goals to his credit, one less than Bhaichung Bhutia. "We had eight to 10 chances and we need to convert them in our next match," he said. India play hosts Nepal in their last group league match on September 5. National coach Wim Koevermans said he was happy that Chhetri scored today. "Chhetri showed his value, what he is capable of. We created a lot of chances ? around 10 but could not convert. On the other hand, the rival team scored off a set-piece. It happens so many times in Football," Koevermans said. "We should have got three points but have to be happy with one," he added. PTI