India, the defending champions, displayed remarkable composure as they secured a spot in the SAFF Championship football final with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Lebanon in a gripping penalty shootout. The fierce showdown remained goalless throughout 120 minutes of play, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. The home team’s impressive victory sets them up for a final showdown against Kuwait, who emerged as the victors with a 1-0 scoreline against Bangladesh in the other semifinal match on the same day. The highly-anticipated final is scheduled to take place on July 4.
India’s participation in the final of this regional tournament will make it their 13th appearance, an outstanding achievement that continues their streak of reaching the finals nine consecutive times. In the championship’s past, India has arisen victorious in eight out of the previous 13 editions. India’s only instance of not achieving a top-two finish occurred in 2003. During the penalty shootout, India’s captain Sunil Chhetri, along with Anwar Ali, Mahesh Singh, and Udanta Singh, successfully scored goals. On the other hand, Lebanon managed to score only twice, courtesy of Walid Shour and Mohammad Sadek.
India’s goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu made a crucial save by stopping the kick from Hassan Maatouk, while Khalil Bader’s shot went over the crossbar. This victory marked India’s second consecutive win over Lebanon, following their 2-0 triumph in the recent Intercontinental Cup held in Odisha. The first half of the match saw Lebanon overpowering the game, with India initially struggling to make an impact. In the second minute, Lebanon had a great opportunity to take the lead, but Nader Matar’s volley lacked direction and sailed over the bar.
Gradually, India found their rhythm and had their first scoring opportunity in the 16th minute. Captain Sunil Chhetri staged the play and provided a well-directed pass to Jeakson Singh, who then crossed the ball to Sahal Abdul Samad inside the box. However, Sahal’s shot was saved at the goal line by Ali Dhaini.
Lebanon continued to be the stronger team in the first half and had another chance to score in the 42nd minute. However, Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu made an impressive save to deny Lebanon’s captain, Hassan Maatouk. The intensity of the game remained high in the second half, with both India and Lebanon unable to score a goal. Both teams displayed strong defensive performances, preventing each other from breaking the deadlock.
Although the midfielders from both sides exhibited a competitive spirit, they struggled to produce a moment of creativity as the match entered into extra time. In the 93rd and 95th minutes, India’s captain, Sunil Chhetri, had two opportunities to score. However, surprisingly, he failed to hit the target on both occasions, which is uncharacteristic of him.
Wrapping It Up
During the penalty shootout, India’s captain Sunil Chhetri, along with Anwar Ali, Mahesh Singh, and Udanta Singh, successfully scored goals, finding the back of the net for India. On the other hand, Lebanon managed to score only twice, with goals from Walid Shour and Mohammad Sadek. India’s goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu made a crucial save by stopping the kick from Hassan Maatouk, while Khalil Bader’s shot went above the crossbar.
In the upcoming clash on July 4, the host team will confront Kuwait, who emerged as 1-0 winners over Bangladesh in the other semifinal of the day. India’s appearance in the final of this regional tournament will mark their 13th time participating and ninth consecutive appearance.
