A second-half brace from Sunil Chhetri powered India to an emphatic 3-1 victory over hosts Maldives at the National Football Stadium tonight to advance into the final of the SAFF Championship. 

India's Sunil Chhetri in action against Maldives at the National Football Stadium in Male. Photo: Twitter Indian Football Team

The seven-time champions India will now have a shot at the title on October 16 against Nepal, who had earlier held Bangladesh to a 1-1 draw to book a place in the final of the regional football extravaganza for the first time in the 28-year history of the championship.

Manvir Singh gave a 33-minute lead to India before Ali Ashfaq converted a penalty in the 45th minute to level the margin.

After resumption, Sunil struck a brace in the 62nd and 71st minute, respectively, to comfortably seal the victory for this side as India reached the finals 12 times out of 13 editions of the SAFF Championship.