India defeated Lebanon in penalty shootout at Bangalore, Sunil Chhetri and his team has entered the finals and will be facing Kuwait
On Saturday, July 1, 2023, India defeated Lebanon in a nail-biting semi-final match of the SAFF Championship at Bengaluru’s Sri Kanteerava Stadium. Despite a goalless draw in normal and extra time, India won the penalty shootout 4-2 to secure their berth in the summit battle. The Blue Tigers will now face Kuwait in the SAFF Championship final on July 4 at the same site, thanks to Indian custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s heroics.
🇱🇧 0 (2) – 0 (4) 🇮🇳
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 1, 2023
Our #SAFFChampionship2023 semifinal was a proper nail-biter 😬🤞
🙌 Relive the penalty shootout ft. @GurpreetGK’s heroics and watch the full match highlights on our YouTube channel 👉🏽 https://t.co/mKV5xjVjRb #LBNIND ⚔️ #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/2NJ6VXX0bE
India shoot their way into the #SAFFChampionship2023 FINAL 🏆 as Lebanon pay the penalty 🤯
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 2, 2023
The #BlueTigers will defend their title against Kuwait 🔥👊🏽
Read more 👉🏽 https://t.co/vbFgHUw2ik#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/rKMHSYSZp9
To the ones who make these victories a million times better, YOU GUYS 💙
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 1, 2023
Thank you, #IndianFootball fans, #SAFFChampionship2023 FINAL NEXT 🏆#LBNIND ⚔️ #BlueTigers 🐯 pic.twitter.com/MZltOtY5wu
Gurpreet’s brilliance was on display throughout the game, as he saved Lebanon’s first penalty, taken by Maatouk, boosting confidence in the Indian penalty takers. Penalty kicks were successfully converted by Chhetri, Anwar, Mahesh, and Udanta, while Shaour and Saadik scored for Lebanon. Lebanon’s final penalty attempt by Badr fell wide, propelling India into the final in ecstasy.
Lebanon and India have previously met twice in the Hero Intercontinental Cup, with India winning both times and keeping two clean sheets. The absence of India’s attacker Rahim Ali and head coach Igor Stimac for the last game created additional options.
SAFF Championship: India vs Lebanon short analysis
Lebanon started the SAFF Championship semi-final energetically, seeking to breach the Indian defense. With the experienced center-back Sandesh Jhingan suspended due to previous bookings, Mehtab Singh admirably stepped in as his replacement. Despite Lebanon’s initial attempts, they lacked control in their shots, missing chances to take the lead.
India adapted their tactics, opting for ball possession and a slower tempo to control the game’s pace. Captain Sunil Chhetri led the team, applying pressure whenever they broke free from defense. India gradually gained momentum, pressuring Lebanon and creating scoring opportunities. Anirudh Thapa played a crucial role in orchestrating this change, showcasing his creativity in the midfield.
India’s offensive became more aggressive, with Subhashish Bose and Pritam Kotal nearly scoring. Lebanon’s defence, on the other hand, stayed firm, denying India good chances inside the box. Both teams failed to locate the target as the game progressed, resulting in a very calm second half.
India’s assistant coach, Mahesh Gawli, made clever substitutions to energise the team. The additions of Nikhil Poojari, Rohit Kumar, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Akash Mishra changed the game’s dynamics. Jackson Singh, who was positioned between the center-backs, served as a defensive shield.
The game reached a critical moment in extra time. India came close to breaking the deadlock with a dangerous corner kick from Mahesh, but it hit the post. As injury time approached, Udanta Singh came on to replace Ashique, giving both teams an extra 30 minutes to decide the conclusion.
Chhetri’s attempts were thwarted by Lebanon’s custodian Khalil, while Udanta’s strike went over the crossbar. However, Lebanon took the lead in the second half of extra time thanks to a stunning shot from replacement Khalil Badr. India’s defence, headed by Mehtab, stood firm in the face of Lebanon’s attacks.
Nonetheless, India mounted a comeback, launching a great counter-attack through Rohit that allowed Udanta to inside Lebanon’s box. As a result of Khalil’s injury, Lebanon substituted keeper Ali Sabeh. With no end in sight, the referee called extra time, setting up an exciting penalty shootout.
Gurpreet emerged as the hero among the cheers, stopping Matouk’s penalty with all his might. Chhetri calmly converted the first penalty, then Anwar, Mahesh, and Udanta quickly followed. Lebanon’s Shour and Sadek converted their penalty kicks, while India’s penalty miss secured the deal.
India’s win against Lebanon sets up an exciting final against Kuwait in the SAFF Championship. On July 4 at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium, the Blue Tigers will be keen to defend their title, demonstrating their brilliance and unity. Football fans throughout the country are looking forward to the showdown of these two powerful squads.
