WATCH: Lallianzuala Chhangte scripts history, scores first-ever goal against Qatar in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Lallianzuala Chhangte scripted history as he opened the scoring for India in the FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Qatar in Doha on Tuesday.

India’s Lallianzuala Chhangte celebrates scoring their first goal against Qatar. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Lallianzuala Chhangte scripted history as he opened the scoring for India in the FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Qatar, at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday.

Chhangte received an unintentional pass from Brandon Fernandes in the 37th minute and slotted it into the net, past Shebab Ellethy, to the jubilation of Indian fans inside the stadium. The goal was India’s first goal from open play in over 600 minutes of play and its first-ever strike against Asian champion Qatar.

It's not just a goal. It's the war cry of a billion Indians 💙 🇮🇳

Lallianzuala Chhangte, you beauty!#QATIND#IndianFootballpic.twitter.com/DJPmwqJrS7

— FanCode (@FanCode) June 11, 2024

India and Qatar have played four times before this game, with three of them ending in Qatar’s favour and the other being a goalless draw. In neither of those game did India open its account, losing their previous clash 0-3 in Bhubaneswar last month.

But all of it changed on Tuesday as Chhangte stepped up, in what was India’s first match post Sunil Chhetri’s retirement, to find the net.