India skipper Bhaichung Bhutia scored a goal to cap a memorable 100th national team appearance, leading the hosts to victory over Kyrgyzstan in a five-nation tournament. The 33-year-old striker scored off a solo effort and then earned a penalty after being brought down inside the box as the hosts won 2-1 in a league game in the Nehru Cup tournament on Sunday.
"It is a great moment, scoring in my 100th international but the most important thing was the team winning," said Bhutia, regarded as the face of Indian soccer. "I dedicate this to all those who have supported me during my career." Bhutia helped the side qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup finals in Qatar, but has had less joy at club level in recent times. His club Mohun Bagan slapped him with a six-month ban in June, saying he had neglected training duties to appear in a reality television dance show, which he and his female partner won.
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