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 Sep 2023 11:51 AM GMT
59' Mahesh through the left!
Mahesh Naorem is showing his attacking intent again, attempting to break through the left flank. However, his pass to Rahim Ali is a bit too heavy, resulting in an Iraq throw-in.
- 7 Sep 2023 11:44 AM GMT
50' GOOOALLLL!!
What a twist of fate! India takes the lead as Iraq's goalkeeper Hasan puts in an unfortunate own goal.
Iraq 1- 2 India
- 7 Sep 2023 11:38 AM GMT
The game resumes!
The second half is underway! It's a fresh start, and both teams will be looking to seize the advantage.
Iraq 1 - 1 India
- 7 Sep 2023 11:20 AM GMT
Half Time!
At halftime, the score stands at 1-1 in this intense India vs. Iraq Kings Cup semi-final match.
Iraq 1- 1 India
- 7 Sep 2023 11:20 AM GMT
47' Good defending from India!
It's a tense moment as Ali Karim leads a counter-attack with only Sandesh and Nikhil Poojary in front of him. Nikhil slips, but Sandesh comes to the rescue, clearing the ball away.
- 7 Sep 2023 11:15 AM GMT
41' Corner for Iraq!
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is on fire! He swiftly punches away the well-executed corner from Iraq, denying Jasim's attempt to head the ball into the net.
- 7 Sep 2023 11:08 AM GMT
34' Gurpreeet!!!!
What a save by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu! It looked like Iraq was about to score their second goal from a free-kick, with Ali Karim making a dangerous flick inside the box.
However, Gurpreet's quick reflexes and strong hand denies Karim and keeps India in the game.
- 7 Sep 2023 11:04 AM GMT
30' The momentum has shifted in favor of Iraq!
Iraq's goal has indeed shifted the momentum in their favor. They appear more confident, and their counter-attacks are becoming increasingly threatening.
India will need to regroup and find a way to regain control of the game to avoid further pressure.
- 7 Sep 2023 11:00 AM GMT
26' Penalty for Iraq!
A penalty is awarded to Iraq for a handball by Jhingan. Karim steps up to take the penalty, and although Gurpreet dives the right way, he couldn't quite save it. Iraq has equalized. It's all square now.
Iraq 1 - 1 India
