India win their ninth SAFF Championship after defeating Kuwait in penalty shootout
Kuwait reached the finals playing SAFF Championship for the first time
Scores were level at 1-1 after 120 minutes
Updated: Jul 4th, 2023
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| Image courtesy: Twitter |
Eight-time champion India defeats Kuwait in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Final on penalties after scores were level at 1-1 to retain their trophy. India is crowned the SAFF champion for the ninth time after playing in 13 finals. The Blues scored the leveller after being 1-0 down in the game after 15 minutes. Lallianzuala Chhangte was the sole goal scorer for India in the final against Kuwait.
India crowned SAFF champions for the ninth time
India is crowned the SAFF champion for the ninth time after playing in 13 finals of the competition over the years, a feat that remains unattainable. After being 1-0 down to Kuwait in the 15th minute, forward Lallianzuala Chhangte opened India's tally in the 38th minute, which remained India's only goal throughout the game. The Blue Tigers went on to win on penalties by 5-4 after 120 minutes.
Indian football eyes glory days
The blue tigers have been roaring past all the competitions with a victorious feat in the current cycle. Having previously won the Intercontinental Cup in June, India added another trophy to its cabinet by winning the SAFF Championship. The old horse, the skipper Sunil Chhetri, has been displaying commendable form by scoring in four out of the last six games for India and advancing his international goal tally to 92.
Youngsters like Thapa, Chhangte, and Abdul Samad have been displaying their potential as well. India stands against their toughest challenge in the form of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to be played in Qatar from January 12, 2024, where India faces the likes of Australia, Syria, and Uzbekistan in the group stages.
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