India football captain and soon-to-be father Sunil Chhetri played the role of saviour to perfection once again as he scored the lone goal in India’s 1-0 win over lower-ranked Vanuatu in the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

Chhetri struck in the 81st minute to settle the nerves — both of players and fans — at the Kalinga Stadium to put the home side into the final.

India had earlier beaten Mongolia 2-0 in their opening match on Friday.

The 38-year-old Chhetri, who consolidated his place as the third-most prolific active player with his 86th strike in his 135th international match, celebrated the goal by letting the world know that he is going to be a father soon as he slid the ball below his jersey and into his belly.

His wife Sonam was shown applauding on the big screen.

With six points from two wins, India are currently on top of the table.

They play Lebanon on Thursday in their last round-robin league match.

Earlier, lower-ranked Mongolia earned their first point in the four-nation tournament when they held fancied Lebanon goalless.

Mongolia now have one point from two matches.