New Delhi: Indian football team's Lallianzuala Chhangte on Sunday showed youngsters can set the stage on fire in big games.


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The Mizoram born player scored a brace against Nepal in the SAFF Cup to see his side finish top in the Group A and clinch a berth in the semi-final.


Interestingly in this process he became the youngest Indian to score an international goal breaking former India skipper Baichung Bhutia's record.


Chhangte who represents DSK Shivajians in the I-League U18, has also played for India U-19 this year.


His transition up to the senior level has been a dream come true and from here on Chhangte can do more wonders.



India coach Stephen Constantine needs to be credited for drafting several youngsters in the team for the SAFF Cup. Constantine's vision for the future has helped the Indian side to a large extent as Chhangte in this process grabbed his opportunity with both hands.


The 18-year-old scored two superb goals against Nepal and this prodigy looks he can be the next big name in Indian football.


His first goal was a gorgeous left-footed curler after a solo effort form the right flank. He then followed it up with a crafty measured header which was utter class. Chhangte's performance showed he has the skills to be a future star and the right kind of exposure could help him to achieve a lot in football.


The youngster replaced Sanju Pradhan as a substitute and took the level of play to another level after looking so lively on the field.


India registered their second victory on the trot in the SAFF Cup. Constantine's decision to mix the squad with experience and youth is the way to go forward.