SAFF Championship 2023: India secures the runner-up spot in Group A following a 1-1 draw versus Kuwait.




Sunil Chhetri matches the record for the most goals scored in the SAFF Championship. India's streak of eight consecutive clean sheets comes to an end with defender Anwar Ali's own goal in the 92nd minute.

The Indian national football team finishes in second place in Group A of the SAFF Championship 2023, following a 1-1 draw against Kuwait at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday.

Sunil Chhetri provides India with the advantage during injury time in the first half, scoring in the second minute. This goal marks Sunil Chhetri's 92nd international goal in his 140th appearance and his 23rd goal in the SAFF Championship, equaling the record set by Maldivian legend Ali Ashfaq.

However, in the 92nd minute, Indian defender Anwar Ali's own goal levels the playing field and grants Kuwait the top position in Group A.

Both India and Kuwait have already secured their spots in the semi-finals by defeating Pakistan and Nepal in their previous matches. With equal points and goal differences, India required a victory to top their group, as Kuwait scored more goals in their last two matches.

The 1-1 draw against Kuwait brings an end to the Indian football team's streak of eight consecutive clean sheets. India will find out their semi-final opponents after the conclusion of Group B, led by Lebanon, on Wednesday.

India initiated the match with six changes and a strong attacking approach. Ashique Kuruniyan, Mahesh Singh, and Lallaianzuala Chhangte, three of India's six alterations, made significant contributions from the flanks, but their efforts in the box remained unrewarded.

Kuwait, ranked 143rd in the FIFA Rankings, 42 places below India, matched India's intensity during the first 30 minutes of the game. They nearly took the lead in the 26th minute through their key player Shabaib Al-Khaldi, but the goal was disallowed due to an earlier foul.

The visitors posed a threat for the remainder of the first half, but Sunil Chhetri's precise volley, in the second minute of injury time from Anirudh Thapa's corner, shifted the tide in India's favor.

The second half continued to be an intense battle, but Kuwait's relentless high press failed to break the resilient Indian defense.

In the 82nd minute, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Sunil Chhetri were substituted for Udanta Singh and Rahim Ali.

However, in the 92nd minute, Rahim Ali received a red card, along with Kuwait's Hamad Alqallaf. With 10 players on the field, India conceded the equalizer in the second minute of extra time when Abdullah Al Bloushi's desperate cross from the right deflected off Indian defender Anwar Ali and found the back of the net.

India will compete in the semi-final match at the same venue on Saturday.

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