By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Invitees Kuwait has advanced to the semifinal of the SAFF Championship 2023 as the Group ‘A’ winners.
In an intense match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday, Kuwait played to a 1-1 draw against the host nation, India.
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.
Unmarked 38-old skipper Sunil showcased his brilliance with a stunning volley from Anirudh Thapa’s corner in the second minute of injury time in the first half, propelling his side into the lead as they headed into the break.
India was heading toward the victory, but the tide turned when Anwar Ali inadvertently scored in his own net in the second minute of stoppage time, while attempting to thwart the opponent’s attack, denying India the win.
With the draw, both India and Kuwait accumulated a total of 7 points. However, Kuwait, having scored more goals (8) than India (7), finished as the Group ‘A’ winners.
The defending champions, India will now face the winners of Group ‘B,’ while Kuwait will compete against the runners-up of Group ‘B’ in the semi-finals.
