SAFF Championships 2023: India wins the title — HIGHLIGHTS

5' - Akash Mishra looks dangerous

India have their first attack in the 4th minute as Akash Mishra draws forward and puts in a cross for Chhetri, but the header is weak. Akash Mishra then tries to release Ashique down the left flank, but an off side flank silences the crowd.

2' - Match begins with rough tackle

Sahal gets us underway from the centre. The crowd is creating a terrific atmosphere as this match begins. It's Kuwait who have the first push of the match. Foiled. 

And it's the 2nd minute of the match when we see the first dangerous tackle, put in on Ashique. However, it's the Kuwaiti player who needs attention after that. 

India's complete squad tonight

All set for the match. Here we go!

Kuwait ready to go

Snapshots of the Kuwait team preparing for the kick-off.

10 minutes to go

Teams out for their final drills.

India vs Kuwait: Starting XIs

India XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Nikhil Poojary, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra; Jeakson Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad; Ashique Kuruniyan, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Sunil Chhetri.

Kuwait XI: Abdulrahman Kameel; Abdullah Al Baloushi, Khalid El Ebrahim, Hasan Al Enezi, Hamad Al Qallaf; Fawaz Al Otaibi, Hamad Al Harbi, Ali Khalaf; Eid Naser Al Rashedi, Shabib Al Khaldi, Mubarak Al Faneni.

Naorem Mahesh coming in is expected to be the first change India make in the match. 

20 minutes till kick-off.

Heated affair

The kerfuffle which led to 3 red cards in the last match:

India rallies behind the Men in Blue

Best wishes pour in for the special occasion:

India vs Kuwait: Past matches

India’s only win against Kuwait came in 2004 when they won 3-2 in a friendly. They came close to a second win last week, but a lot of work was undone by an unfortunate own goal in the dying stages of the 1-1 draw. 

India starting XI

Back to full strength for this crucial match. The full backs and Jhingan return to the side.