What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stars as India beat Lebanon 4-2 on penalties
NEW DELHI: Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stood tall under the bar as India defeated Lebanon 4-2 on penalties to reach the final of the SAFF Championship football tournament.
At the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, the match ended goalless after extra time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout in which goalkeeper Sandhu played a crucial role.
Gurpreet made an impressive save on the first penalty attempt by Lebanon’s Maatouk, setting the tone for the Indian penalty takers. Sunil Chhetri, Anwar, Mahesh, and Udanta successfully converted their penalties for India, while Walid Shour and Mohamad Sadek scored for Lebanon. The decisive moment came when Lebanon’s Khalil Bader sent his penalty over the stands, securing India’s place in the final.
The semi-final clash between Lebanon and India was a highly anticipated match, as the two teams had faced each other twice in the Hero Intercontinental Cup last month. India had emerged victorious in one of those matches, keeping two clean sheets.
THROUGH TO THE FINAL 🏆💙
Watch the #BlueTigers 🐯 celebrate moments after the penalty shootout ft. the man of the hour, @GurpreetGK 🧤🤩😍#LBNIND ⚔️ #SAFFChampionship2023 🏆 #IndianFootball ⚽️ #BlueTigers 🐯 pic.twitter.com/G8c1xKRC21
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 1, 2023
Lebanon started the SAFF Championship semi-final with great determination, aiming to break their losing streak against the Indian team. However, India’s defence, despite missing experienced centre-back Sandesh Jhingan through suspension, held strong. Mehtab Singh replaced Jhingan in the starting lineup.
India faced some challenges going into the match, with striker Rahim Ali and head coach Igor Stimac both being sent off in their previous match against Kuwait. Nevertheless, the Blue Tigers remained focused and determined to secure a spot in the final.
The game started with Lebanon showing a lot of attacking intent, but India weathered the storm and gradually changed the tempo of the match. The hosts adopted a more possession-based approach and pressed high, led by captain Sunil Chhetri. These tactics disrupted Lebanon’s build-up play and allowed India to gain turnovers in the opposition half. Anirudh Thapa’s creativity in the midfield played a significant role in India’s attacking efforts.
India came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Pritam Kotal nodded a cross from Thapa into the side netting. They continued to create chances, with Lallianzuala Chhangte and Subhasish Bose also threatening Lebanon’s defence. However, the first half ended goalless, with Lebanon goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil making important saves.
🇱🇧 0 (2) – 0 (4) 🇮🇳
Our #SAFFChampionship2023 semifinal was a proper nail-biter 😬🤞
🙌 Relive the penalty shootout ft. @GurpreetGK’s heroics and watch the full match highlights on our YouTube channel 👉🏽 https://t.co/mKV5xjVjRb #LBNIND ⚔️ #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/2NJ6VXX0bE
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 1, 2023
In the second half, India maintained their momentum and pushed for a goal. Despite their efforts, Lebanon defended resolutely and denied India clear opportunities in their box. As the match entered its later stages, India made substitutions to inject fresh energy into the team. Nikhil Poojary, Rohit Kumar, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Akash Mishra were brought on to make an impact.
Jeakson Singh played a crucial role in shielding India’s defence, and with 10 minutes remaining in regulation time, he made a vital interception that led to a promising attack. However, India was unable to convert their chances, and the match went into extra time.
The first half of extra time saw both teams battling for supremacy, with neither able to find the breakthrough. The second half of extra time witnessed Lebanon taking the initiative, but India’s defence stood firm. Substitute goalkeeper Ali Sabeh was brought on by Lebanon in anticipation of the penalty shootout.
With neither team able to score in extra time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Sandhu emerged as the hero for India, making a remarkable save in the shootout’s opening penalty. Chhetri converted India’s first penalty confidently, and subsequent successful conversions by Anwar, Mahesh, and Udanta ensured India’s victory. Lebanon’s Bader missed the crucial fourth penalty, allowing India to celebrate their place in the SAFF Championship final.
India will face Kuwait in the final at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on July 4.
