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 10:55 AM GMT
21' Chance for Iraq!
Iraq is not giving up easily! Karim attempts a shot from outside the box, but it goes wide of the target. A sigh of relief for India's defense.
- 7 Sep 2023 10:51 AM GMT
16' GOOAAALLLL!!!
What a moment of brilliance! Mahesh Naorem finds the back of the net with a fantastic left-footed finish. Sahal's perfectly timed through ball from the middle of the park unlocks the defense, and Mahesh beats the offside trap, dancing through the defenders to slot the ball into the bottom left corner. India takes the lead!
Iraq 0 - 1 India
- 7 Sep 2023 10:46 AM GMT
13' Offside!!!!
A promising moment for India as Anirudh Thapa delivers a through ball to Akash Mishra on the left flank. However, the referee raises the flag for an offside call, denying what could have been a great chance.
- 7 Sep 2023 10:40 AM GMT
7' Thapa with a timely clearance!
Iraq seems to be slowly building up the pressure on India. Hussein's push down the left flank and his cross into the Indian box could have been dangerous, but Anirudh Thapa steps up with a timely clearance, averting the threat.
- 7 Sep 2023 10:37 AM GMT
3' Early attack from India!
India is showing some early attacking intent, with Mahesh making a strong run down the right flank.
Despite Salih's attempt to intercept, Mahesh manages to regain possession, but the ball takes a bounce, just a bit too far.
- 7 Sep 2023 10:33 AM GMT
Kick off!
And we're off! India faces a formidable challenge today, especially without the leadership of our captain Sunil Chhetri.
India in their blue jersey plays from right to left.
- 7 Sep 2023 9:52 AM GMT
Starting XI
India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Goalkeeper), Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Jeakson Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Ashique Kuruniyan
Iraq: Jalal (Golkeeper), Doski, Putros, Sulaka, H. Ali, Ammari, Rashid, Al-Hamadi, Resan, Bayesh, H. Ali
