Talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri played a pivotal role in India’s eighth SAFF Championship title triumph by striking five goals but he credited the young brigade for team’s victory. Chhetri, 37, Indian football’s torch bearer for the last 10 years, went past legendary Pele and equalled Lionel Messi when he scored the team’s opener—and his 80th goal—against Nepal in the summit clash on Saturday.

“Look at the youngsters -- it feels good for all of them. It’s all due to their hard work. We were here for 20 days till the final, staying on an island, riding the waves every day for practice sessions, and matches,” Chhetri said in a release from All India Football Federation.