India stun Qatar in football

India stunned Qatar 2-1 in an international football friendly in one of the most memorable victories by the country over a top Asian side here on Sunday.

Sunil Chhetri put India ahead in the 16th minute when he converted a penalty kick before Sushil Kumar Singh struck in the 73rd minute at the Al Sadd Stadium.

Qatar pulled one back in the 74th minute through Ibrahim Khalfan.

India had not beaten a top Asian side for a long time and it would boost new coach Armando Colaco's side ahead of their double-leg World Cup qualifiers against United Arab Emirates at Al Ain near Dubai on July 23 and in New Delhi on July 28.

Qatar are ranked 94th in the world and ninth in Asia while India are now at 147th at FIFA rankings.