Bengaluru: In a thrilling and contentious encounter, India and Kuwait settled for a 1-1 draw in the final Group A clash of the SAFF Championship 2023 on Tuesday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The match witnessed a high-tempo and high-tempered contest from start to finish, leaving India disappointed as an unfortunate own goal dashed their hopes of securing the top spot in the group.
India began the game aggressively, exerting pressure on Kuwait with their pressing tactics in the final and middle thirds of the field. Naorem Mahesh Singh, who had previously scored his first international goal, caused trouble for Kuwait from the left wing. In the early minutes, he delivered a tempting cross to Akash Mishra, but the ball narrowly eluded Sunil Chhetri’s reach.
Throughout the match, India posed a threat with their set-pieces. Their first opportunity came from Mahesh’s corner, which Kuwait failed to clear, leading to Anwar Ali’s feeble attempt that was easily blocked on the goal line.
However, India faced a setback in the 14th minute when Sandesh Jhingan’s tackle on Eid Al-Rashidi resulted in a booking and his subsequent suspension for the upcoming semifinal.
As the game progressed, Kuwait gradually found their footing and created their first real chance in the 20th minute when Shabaib Al-Khalid’s shot sailed over the crossbar. Five minutes later, Amrinder Singh made a terrific save to deny Mohammad Abdullah’s close-range effort after a clever pass from Al-Khalid.
India’s dead-ball situations continued to trouble Kuwait, and although Anwar headed wide from a Thapa corner, Sunil Chhetri made sure to capitalize on the next opportunity. Just before halftime, Chhetri, seemingly hidden in Kuwait’s zonal marking, expertly volleyed the ball into the net from 12 yards out, registering his 92nd international goal.
Expectedly, Kuwait emerged from the break with increased urgency, enjoying more possession. However, India maintained their defensive dominance, frustrating Kuwait’s attempts. In the 57th minute, Amrinder brilliantly tipped over Al-Khalid’s free-kick.
Employing an attack-as-defense strategy, India created chances in the second half. Mahesh, who had swapped positions with Lallianzuala Chhangte, delivered a high cross from the right, falling to Ashique Kuruniyan, who narrowly missed the target with a volley from a tight angle.
Jeakson Singh Thounaojam had a couple of opportunities for India, but his attempts were either blocked or missed the target. Sandesh Jhingan also demonstrated his defensive prowess with a crucial tackle on Al-Khaldi, earning him applause from the crowd.
In the final ten minutes, India’s head coach Igor Stimac was shown a red card following an argument with referee Alomgir, marking his second sending-off of the tournament. Substitute Rohit Kumar had a golden chance to secure the win, but he skyed the ball over the crossbar from close range.
Amrinder Singh continued his stellar performance in goal, making a strong save to deny Al-Khaldi’s powerful left-footed strike in the 84th minute.
Tempers flared on the pitch after Stimac’s sending-off, resulting in a scuffle between the players. Hamad Al-Qallaf and Rahim Ali were both shown red cards for their involvement.
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