Football
India vs Kuwait, SAFF Championship: IND 1-1 KUW at Full Time — Highlights
Sunil Chhetri scored his 92nd international goal to put India 1-0 up in the 45th minute. Anwar Ali scored an own goal to make it 1-1 at full time.
India will face Iraq in Kings Cup (AIFF)
The Indian football team played out a 1-1 draw against Kuwait in the final group match of the 2023 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Sunil Chhetri scored in added time of the first half to put India 1-0 up. There were three red cards shown in the second half - Rahim Ali and coach Igor Stimac included - before an own goal by Anwar Ali against the run of play in added time in the second half restored parity.
Both teams have already qualified for the semifinals with 7 points from 3 matches. However, India are behind Kuwait on goals scored and will face the toppers of Group B in the semifinals.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 27 Jun 2023 2:53 PM GMT
India 1-0 Kuwait at end of 1st half
It seemed like the deadlock would not be broken. Till Sunil Chhetri swivelled like a ballerina to meet Anirudh Thapa's delivery with his first touch and cannoned it into goal in the last added minute of time in the first half.
Both sides threatened before the goal, without setting a cat among the pigeons - that was something left for Captain Chhetri.
With 24 goals in the SAFF Championship history, Chhetri breaks an all time record of Maldives' Ali Ashfaq.
- 27 Jun 2023 2:48 PM GMT
45+3' - Chhetri scores!
Goal! Sunil Chhetri scores with a volley from a corner in added time of the first half. His 92nd goal. His 24th goal in SAFF history, which is more than anyone else in history.
- 27 Jun 2023 2:46 PM GMT
45' - India threaten to break down door
Akash Mishra now in an aggressive off-the-ball 'discussion' with Kuwait and the referee. The fracas is broken up before it gets too serious. India shading the possession as the first half draws to a close.
- 27 Jun 2023 2:41 PM GMT
40' - Anwar Ali raises his game
Anwar Ali rises above everyone else to turn a header just inches away from goal. A few minutes later, Anwar rushes out to put in a sliding tackle to clear the danger.
Mahesh one of the better players on the pitch right now.
- 27 Jun 2023 2:32 PM GMT
30' - Match becomes aggressive, Kuwait denied a goal, Chhangte loses temper
Kuwait denied a goal! Their players are furious. Jhingan, who put in a block to save a sure goal, demands a card for the complaining Kuwaitis. Chhangte then furious as a foul is given against him. This match is getting more and more aggressive as it wears on without a goal.
- 27 Jun 2023 2:22 PM GMT
20' - India being caught off side
Quite a few forays on either side of the pitch but no real danger for either goal so far. India being caught out by the offside trap a little too often as they look to release their wingers.
- 27 Jun 2023 2:10 PM GMT
10' - India attack in waves
Akash Mishra delivers a cross out of nowhere! Chhetri just miliseconds late to it. First half-chance for India in the 6th minute.
Chhetri rushes the keeper, but the Kuwaiti keeper manages to dribble past the onrushing Indian striker. Ooohs and aaahs across Bengaluru.
Nikhil now delivers in a cross from the left, needs to be headed out for a corner. India, suddenly, look like they're growing into this game.
- 27 Jun 2023 2:05 PM GMT
5' - Kuwait get first half-chance
The first shot of the match! Abdullah lets loose with a volley. Sails over the bar. Kuwait with the first half-chance of the match. India still unable to make their mark.
- 27 Jun 2023 2:00 PM GMT
Match begins
The teams are out. Anirudh Thapa to get us underway from the centre circle. And we are off. Anwar Ali tries a long ball to Chhetri in the first 10 seconds.
- 27 Jun 2023 1:47 PM GMT
India's abundance on the wings
Expect a lot of speed down the wings. Question is - can the centre hold?
