Football
Kings Cup: India loses to Iraq in penalty shootout, bows out of semis
Mahesh Naorem and an own goal put India ahead, while Iraq equalized twice with penalties. The match ended 2-2, and Iraq won the shootout to reach the Kings Cup final.
India lost to Iraq in a penalty shootout at the King's Cup semi-final last week. (AIFF)
In the 16th minute, Mahesh Naorem put India in the lead, but Iraq equalized with a penalty in the 27th minute.
In the 52nd minute, Iraq's goalkeeper Hasan's own goal gave India an unexpected lead, but Iraq leveled again with a penalty in the 79th minute. With the score 2-2, the match went straight to penalty shootout.
Brandon Fernandes missed India's first kick, while Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Suresh Singh, and Rahim Ali converted their penalties. Iraq remained composed and scored all five of their kicks, ultimately winning the shootout and securing their place in the Kings Cup final.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 7 Sept 2023 5:56 PM IST
Full Time, Penalty Shootout!
It's the end of regulation time and there won't be extra time. The game goes straight to Penalties.
Iraq 2 - 2 India
- 7 Sept 2023 5:54 PM IST
94' Red card for Zidane Iqbal!
Drama on the field! Zidane Iqbal, the Manchester United talent, receives a red card and is sent off for elbowing Rahim Ali.
Iraq are down to 10 man with seconds to go.
- 7 Sept 2023 5:49 PM IST
85' Free Kick for Iraq!
Iraq has a dangerous opportunity now with a free-kick from a threatening position, awarded due to a high boot challenge from Rahim Ali.
The ball bounces into the box but Rahim Ali himself clears it away.
- 7 Sept 2023 5:42 PM IST
79' Penalty for Iraq!
Iraq equalizes once again, this time from the spot! Aymen Ghadbhan converts the penalty after a foul by Jhingan.
Iraq 2 - 2 India
- 7 Sept 2023 5:33 PM IST
71' Gurpreet, again!
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is proving to be the savior for India once again! He makes a crucial point-blank save, denying what could have been the equalizer for Iraq from Bonyan.
- 7 Sept 2023 5:27 PM IST
65' What a miss!
Manvir crosses the ball into the keeper's hands, unfortunately starting a quick counter for Iraq. They create a good chance, but unfortunately for them, Salih skies the shot.
- 7 Sept 2023 5:24 PM IST
62' Game's heating up!
After Salih's foul on Sahal, tempers flare, and players engage in a verbal argument and some pushing. The referee steps in and decides to issue a yellow card to Salih, attempting to restore order.
