India and Kuwait were limited to a 1-1 draw in last group A match of the sub championship 2023. It was on Tuesday at the Sri kentarawa stadium in Bangalore Bengaluru due to a late on goal.
India took the lead just before halftime thanks to Sunil Chhetri’s 92nd international goal. A brilliant volley in a match that was high-tempo and heated from start to end. Anwar Ali’s tragic own goal in the last seconds of the second half, however, put an unexpected and devastating end to India’s aspirations of winning the group.
India came out swinging, smothering Kuwait in the last and middle thirds with their pushing. After scoring his first goal for his country in the previous game, Naorem Mahesh Singh was causing all kinds of problems from the left wing. He found Akash Mishra on the overlap in the fifth minute. And the left back fired an appealing cross into the middle that sped just past Sunil Chhetri’s grasp.
The first opportunity came from Mahesh’s corner. Which Kuwait failed to clear and fell to Anwar Ali, whose shot was weak and easily stopped on the line. India threatened with set-pieces throughout the whole game.
India plays a draw against Kuwait
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Sandesh Jhingan’s flying attack on Eid Al-Rashidi in the 14th minute resulted in a booking and a suspension for Saturday’s semi-final, which was a little setback for India’s aggressive strategy.
A loose ball was sent over the crossbar by Shabaib Al-Khaldi on the 20th minute as Kuwait gradually gained control of the game. Five minutes later, Amrinder Singh produced an outstanding save to save Mohammad Abdullah’s close-range attempt following a deft ball from Al-Khaldi.
While Kuwait breathed a sigh of relief when Anwar headed wide from a Thapa corner, India looked increasingly threatening from dead-ball situations, and Chhetri made sure that wouldn’t be the case the following time around.
After the restart, Mahesh, who had exchanged places with Lallianzuala Chhangte, sent a high cross from the right that landed for Ashique Kuruniyan, who blasted a volley from a tight angle just over the bar.
Next, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam got a few more opportunities for India. He first watched Sultan Al-Enezi stop his shot before misdirecting Chhangte’s cross from the next corner.
Jhingan’s crushing tackle on Al-Khaldi, who had been given a clear path to goal, served as another example of India’s strong defensive play. Loud screams of praise were directed at the 29-year-old by the Kanteerava. The Croatian was sent off for the second time this tournament. Stimac argued with the referee as the match neared its final 10 minutes.
Blues place to the semis
Rohit Kumar, a substitute, had a wonderful chance to seal the victory for the Blue Tigers. But was unable to connect with Udanta’s low cross from just beyond the six-yard box. In the 84th minute, Amrinder made a good stop to add to his outstanding play in goal. Blocking a hard left-footed shot from Al-Khaldi.
Sahal Abdul Samad was fouled in the Kuwaiti half. And when the West Asians delayed the restart due to a brawl, tempers continued to rise. Hamad Al-Qallaf and Rahim Ali were then given red cards as a result of the altercation.
But it was to be a brutal end to India’s streak of seven straight wins with a clean sheet. Anwar Ali attempted to hook Abdullah Al-Bloushi’s cross from the right clear, but it bounced into the Indian goal.
Despite the terrible events that took place on the pitch, the Kanteerava audience made sure to keep the Blue Tigers’ spirits up by yelling at the top of their lungs the whole night. To show how proud they were of their team, which battled valiantly till the very end. But was unfortunate not to win.
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