By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Invitees Kuwait and 8-time champions India are set to face off in the title clash of the SAFF Championship 2023.
In a thrilling first semifinal, Kuwait edged out 10-men Bangladesh with a narrow 1-0 victory. Meanwhile, hosts India exhibited their dominance by sidelining Lebanon 4-2 in a penalty shootout during the second semifinal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
Kuwait’s triumph over Bangladesh secured their place in the final, making an impressive statement in their inaugural appearance in the SAFF Championship.
The match remained goalless during the regulation time, but Abdullah A M A A Albloushi emerged as the hero, scoring the only goal during injury time in the first half of extra time. His shot passed between the legs of a Bangladeshi defender, leaving goalkeeper Anisur Rahman helpless. Abdullah’s decisive goal proved to be enough for the invitees, propelling them to the title clash.
In the second semifinal, India and Lebanon engaged in an intense battle that ultimately led to a thrilling penalty shootout. Neither team managed to find the back of the net during regulation time or extra time, intensifying the tension on the field.
The shootout commenced with Indian captain Sunil Chhetri displaying his composure and converting his penalty flawlessly. Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu then stepped up and denied Lebanon’s captain, Hassan Maatouk, with a brilliant save. Anwar Ali, Mahesh Singh Naorem, and Udanta Singh Kumam followed suit, converting their penalties with precision.
Lebanon’s Walid Shour and Mohamad Sadek successfully converted their penalties, keeping their team’s hopes alive. However, Khalil Bader’s high shot dashed their dreams of qualifying for the championship finals.
It’s worth noting that India had previously defeated Lebanon 2-0 to clinch the title of the Intercontinental Cup held in India earlier in June.
Earlier, in the group stage match India played to a 1-1 draw against Kuwait. India’s skipper, Sunil Chhetri, gave his team the lead just before the halftime whistle, but an unfortunate own goal from Anwar Ali in the dying minute nullified Sunil’s fifth goal of the ongoing championship.
The final clash will take place on Tuesday in Bengaluru, India.
