Football
India beat Lebanon to win Intercontinental Cup title — Highlights
India won the Intercontinental Cup final 2-0 as they beat Lebanon for the first time since 1977. Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte scored for India.
Sunil Chhetri in action vs Lebanon (AIFF)
India beat Lebanon 2-0 in the Intercontinental Cup final on Sunday at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar to win the title.
Sunil Chhetri's 46th minute goal broke the deadlock before Lallianzuala Chhangte made it 2-0 in the 66th minute as India beat Lebanon for the first time since 1977.
India made a strong start to the match, dominating 57% possession in the first half. It was in the first minute of second half that the deadlock was broken, with Lallianzuala Chhangte providing an assist for Sunil Chhetri. Chhangte turned scorer in the 66th minute as India increased their lead.
This was also the Indian team's sixth consecutive clean sheet, equalling a record dating back to 1952.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 18 Jun 2023 2:53 PM GMT
Half Time: India 0-0 Lebanon
It was a tame end to the half after a high-intensity start.
- 18 Jun 2023 2:44 PM GMT
43' - Ashique takes a card for the team
Thapa's corners are kept at bay by Lebanon, who try to break on the counter. Ashique tracks back and puts in a yellow card worthy challenge. Takes on for the team.
India, now looking more tired, are trying to push the ball out to the wide channels. The final ball still missing. Looking forward to Udanta Singh's pace at some point in the 2nd half.
- 18 Jun 2023 2:35 PM GMT
34' - India lose attacking zing
Anwar Ali loses the ball right after the water break, but Jhingan is there to save again.
India's attacking zing yet to be seen after the break. Sahal tries to again dribble on the left flank, but his cross is far too heavy.
- 18 Jun 2023 2:24 PM GMT
24' - India continue to threaten, Jhingan stands tall in back line
Chhangte now produces a chance from the right flank, after being released by Jhingan. Just misses Chhetri with his cross. Ashique gets a shooting opportunity, but Sahal comes in the way.
Lebanon attack on the counter. Jhingan saves!
- 18 Jun 2023 2:19 PM GMT
19' - Sahal Samad dribbles through Lebanese legs
Lebanon get their first shot on goal, albeit a weak one, in the 15th minute. Gurpreet tries to release Chhetri quickly, the striker cannot chase it down. Sahal then tries to play a through ball to Chhetri. Intercepted.
Sahal dribbles into the box a minute later and tries to find Chhetri. Last minute block. Lebanon survive!
- 18 Jun 2023 2:15 PM GMT
14' - Thapa falls back to defend
Mohammad El Hayek goes down with a cramp and a substitution is being signalled.
In the 12th minute, Lebanon finally enjoy their first period of sustained pressure. Anirudh Thapa drops back to nullify the danger.
- 18 Jun 2023 2:09 PM GMT
7' - Ashique denied a penalty
Chhetri tries to find Sahal with a floated cross from the right flank. India making merry on the left flank too, Akash Mishra tries to deliver a wicked cross.
Ashique goes down on the edge of the penalty box! Penalty not given, infuriating the Indian bench.
- 18 Jun 2023 2:06 PM GMT
5' - India make a strong start, Anirudh Thapa in the midst of it
Thapa now goes for a shot. Deflected, almost to the feet of Sahal. A very intense high press from India in the opening minutes. Then Thapa tries to find Ashique with a long ball on the left flank, but the pass is over hit.
Now an argument breaks out after a tackle on Akash Mishra. Safe to say India look the more dangerous team (at least in goal scoring terms) in the opening minutes.
- 18 Jun 2023 2:03 PM GMT
1' - Chhetri's shot on goal blocked
And we begin! The Indian defence saved from a spot of bother in the 1st minute by a Jhingan recovery. Sahal makes a mazing run and sets up Chhetri, whose shot is blocked by an onrushing defence.
- 18 Jun 2023 1:56 PM GMT
Ready for kick-off
Both teams have stepped out. It's time for the anthems.
Expect a tough battle today. India and Lebanon are ranked closely, with India at 98 and Lebanon at 100.
