Picture : Twitter/ ANI
Hosts India clinched the SAFF Championships title for the ninth time after beating Kuwait 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout after both sides were deadlocked 1-1 in 120 minutes in the summit clash .
After five rounds of penalty kicks the scoreline remained 4-4 and sudden death rule was applied.
Mahesh Naorem scored but a diving India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved Khaled Hajiah’s shot to hand victory the home side.
In the regulation time, Shabaib Al Khaldi had put Kuwait in the lead in the 14th minute before Lallianzuala Chhangte equalised in the 39th minute.
Defending champion India and Kuwait had also played out a 1-1 draw in their last group match.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in congratulating the Blue Tigers with his Tweet
India crowned champions, yet again! The Blue Tigers reign supreme at the #SAFFChampionship2023! Congrats to our players. The Indian Team’s remarkable journey, powered by the determination and tenacity of these athletes, will continue to inspire upcoming sportspersons. pic.twitter.com/DitI0NunmD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2023
Anurag Thakur , Union Minister for I&B and Youth Affairs & Sports
We have done it again!
Kudos to the #BlueTigers ⚽️ for holding their nerve in such a gripping encounter with Kuwait in the final & giving a scintillating performance to clinch the #SAFFChampionship 🏆🏆 for a record 9️⃣th time.
🇮🇳 is thrilled on your victory, keep shining! 👍… pic.twitter.com/lxmOzQvspt
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 4, 2023
