SAFF Championship: India Beat Kuwait in Penalty Shootout to Win 9th Title

In a thrilling finale at the SAFF Championship, Team India showcased their resilience and determination as they defeated Kuwait in a tense penalty shootout to secure their record ninth title. The match, held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, ended with a scoreline of 1-1 after 120 minutes of play, leading to a nail-biting shootout.

Final Match Climax at SAFF Championship

The match began with both teams displaying their attacking intent, but Kuwait struck first in the 15th minute. Al Feneeni initiated the move, passing the ball to Albloushi, who cleverly set up Alkhaldi to score and give Kuwait an early lead.

However, India quickly regrouped and fought back. In the 38th minute, Chhangte found the back of the net, capitalizing on a failed clearance by Al Dhefeery after Kuruniyan’s interception. The equalizer injected new energy into the Indian team, setting the stage for an exciting second half.

Both teams searched for the game-winning goal in the second half, but neither was successful. The match ended with a 1-1 scoreline, leading to extra time.

Extra time should have separated the teams as well. With the scores still level, the match headed into a penalty shootout to determine the champion.

SAFF Championship Penalty Shootout

The tension in the stadium reached its peak as the shootout commenced. Both teams displayed nerves of steel and converted their initial penalties flawlessly. The shootout continued with each team matching each other’s goals until the sudden death phase.

Finally, India’s Mahesh Singh stepped up and confidently converted his penalty. At the same time, Kuwait’s Al Khaldi missed his chance, hitting the crossbar. With that, India emerged victorious with a 5-4 scoreline in the shootout.

Celebrations and Reactions

The triumph sparked jubilant scenes in the stadium as the Indian players celebrated their remarkable victory. Coach Igor Stimac was visibly ecstatic while the crowd roared in delight.

Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu praised the team’s resilience, acknowledging their never-give-up attitude even after falling behind. He attributed the shootout victory to a stroke of luck, acknowledging that penalties can often come down to which team has the fortune on their side.

The SAFF Championship Title

With this victory, India clinched their ninth SAFF Championship title, creating a new record. The success is evidence of the team’s tenacity and endurance throughout the competition.

The triumph also serves as a testament to Indian football’s recent advancements as they work to solidify their position as a major player in South Asian football.

Looking Ahead

The SAFF Championship victory will undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster for the Indian team, and they will be eager to build on this success in future tournaments. The players will now shift their focus to upcoming challenges, aiming to continue their winning momentum and achieve greater success on the international stage.

As the celebrations continue and the team basks in their record-breaking victory, Indian football fans eagerly await the next chapter in their team’s journey, hoping for more triumphs and memorable moments on the field.

FAQs:

Q. Which country is the champion of SAFF?

India is the current champion of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. They secured their ninth title by defeating Kuwait in the final held on July 4, 2023. This victory reinforces India’s dominant position in South Asian football.

Q. How many SAFF cups does India have?

India has won the SAFF Championship nine times. They secured their titles in the years 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023​.

Q. How football is the most adventurous game of this planet?

Football is considered one of the most adventurous games on the planet for several reasons. It is played and watched by billions of people worldwide, transcending cultural, geographical, and social boundaries. This universal appeal creates a unique sense of global community and adventure. The game’s dynamic nature, with its fast pace and the constant potential for surprising turns, keeps both players and spectators on the edge of their seats.