SAFF Championships 2023: India wins the title — HIGHLIGHTS

2nd Half begins

A watchful start to the second half by both teams. 

Remember, a draw in regulation time ensures India's FIFA top 100 ranking for this month, which ensures a place in Pot 2 for the Qualifiers draw later this month.

End of 1st Half: 3 yellow cards to Kuwait

Well, well, we've seen this before. Three red cards branded to Kuwait players after a flashpoint involving Kuruniyan again. One for the player who tackled him, one for another player who protested the card, and a third for a Kuwait official on the bench.

Looks like we are set for a delicious second half!

India 1-1 Kuwait at end of 1st Half

43' - India reborn after equaliser

Suddenly, India are roaring! The stadium is roaring! Ashique gets a free header in the box, which he turns just wide. Chhangte makes another darting run down the right which leaves Kuwait's defenders for dead. An yellow card for Kuwait. Kuwait are suddenly looking to hold on for dear life till the half-time whistle.

38' - Goal for India!

What a goal! Chhangte turns it in, but what a brilliant team move behind it! Chhetri and Sahal involved in the build-up to create what is a goal for the ages.

India 1-1 Kuwait

35' - Sahal tries to thread a ball through to Chhangte

Ironically, it's Jhingan who picks up the first yellow card of the match for an elbow into a defender's face during a corner. Captain Chhetri seen taking a central role in calming things down as it threatens to boil over.

The game has settled into a stop-start one. India struggling to find momentum. Sahal now tries to find Chhangte's run, but the Kuwait wall once more manages to keep him out.

28' - India demand more cards for Kuwait players

Kuruniyan again at the end of an energetic tackle from Kuwait midfielder Sultan. The referee has a word with the aggressor after complaints from Kuruniyan, no cards yet. Sahal, Thapa everyone being very vocal about the need for more cards for Kuwait players.

23' - India unable to find an opening

Chhangte and Jeakson combine as India push forward for the equaliser. India now looking to control more of the possession as they try to draw the game more towards the centre of the pitch. 

A lot more effort to build moves, but at the moment, Kuwait being successful to cutting off the supply lines.

15' - Goal for Kuwait!

Kuwait go 1-0 up! Shabaib Alkhaldi scores from point blank range after Anwar Ali is miliseconds late to a sliding tackle inside the box. Anwar in the middle of a 2nd Kuwait goal in 2 weeks.

Chhangte tries to attack as India look to respond straightaway.

For now, Kuwait 1-0 India

14' - Game being played on flanks

Kuwait build some pressure by keeping possession just outside the Indian box. Then Poojary does brilliantly to rush the Kuwaiti defenders on a counter attack. Nothing of note inside the two boxes so far.

A lot of the game being played on the wide channels as both teams look to steal something from the other.

8' - Both sides get an attack in each

Both sides get a foray each into the other's penalty box. The crowd has created a carnival of an atmosphere. Here's the tifo of the day: