India and Kuwait played out a 1-1 draw at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Sunil Chhetri’s first-half strike was cancelled out by Anwar Ali’s own goal in second-half stoppage time as India finished Group A second to Kuwait on goals scored.
Indian head coach Igor Stimac was back in the technical area after serving out his suspension against Nepal, following his red card against Pakistan in his side’s tournament opener.
India manufactured an early chance in the as Mahesh Singh and Akash Mishra combined well on the left side before the latter whipped in a cross into the centre of the box citing an onrushing Sunil Chhetri. The skipper couldn’t get to the ball in time as a chance went begging early on.
Anwar Ali tried poking the ball in from close range following a corner in the 10th minute, but Kuwait had enough men at the back to get a block in.
Kuwait went close to earning the lead in the 24th minute but Indian custodian Amrinder Singh got his body in the way of a shot from close range following some good play from the visitors.
Kuwait tried to hit on the counter in the 39th minute with some swift link-up play that looked elegant, but the resulting shot, from outside the box, was a timid hit and the Indian goalie had no issues gathering the ball.
Indian captain Chhetri netted the 92nd international goal of his career in the first minute of the first half extra time to give India the lead. Lurking in the centre of the box, Chhetri produced an excellent volley from the corner to put the Blue Tigers ahead before the break.
The second half got off to an energetic start as India tried to push the lead with some industrious play on the wings, but they couldn’t get the decisive touch on more than one occasion.
Kuwait tried to restore parity through a free kick in the 56th minute of the fixture, but Indian custodian Amrider was equal to the direct shot from outside the box as he tipped the ball over the crossbar.
Stimac was once again in the thick of things as he was shown a yellow card by the referee for his undue involvement in the game from the technical area.
After 75 minutes of play, Kuwait had a chance to level as they were through on goal following a quick counter, but experienced defender Sandesh Jhingan came up with a crucial tackle to hold the lead.
Stimac was shown a red card in the 80th minute as he was sent off for the second time in as many games in the 2023 edition of the SAFF Championships.
Rahim Ali was sent off for his involvement in a squabble in the centre and was sent back for an early shower as India was down to 10 men, while Hamad Alqallaf suffered the same fate for Kuwait.
Kuwait netted the equaliser minutes after Anwar Ali put the ball into his own net following a cross into the box as the visitors levelled.
Comments
0 comment