In a thrilling finale at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Begaluru, India emerged victorious in the SAFF Championships, claiming the prestigious title for the ninth time. The hosts secured a hard-fought victory over Kuwait in a nail-biting penalty shootout, with the final scoreline reading 5-4. The summit clash had initially ended in a 1-1 draw after an intense 120 minutes of play.
Both teams displayed immense determination and skill throughout the match. In the 14th minute, Kuwait’s Shabaib Al Khaldi broke the deadlock, putting his team in the lead. However, India’s Lallianzuala Chhangte swiftly responded, finding the back of the net in the 39th minute to equalize the score.
With the teams deadlocked even after extra time, the match went into a penalty shootout to determine the winner. After five rounds of penalty kicks, the scoreline remained tied at 4-4, and the sudden death rule came into play.
India’s Mahesh Naorem stepped up and successfully converted his penalty, putting the pressure on Kuwait. It was at this crucial moment that India’s goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, showcased his brilliance by making a diving save against Khaled Hajiah’s shot. Sandhu’s exceptional reflexes secured the victory for the home side, igniting celebrations among the Indian players and fans.
Indian captain Sunil Chhetri, who had been exceptional throughout the tournament, received two prestigious awards. He was honored with the Golden Boot for being the tournament’s top scorer and the Golden Ball for being the tournament’s best player. Expressing his joy, Chhetri praised his teammates, saying, “I’m so happy everyone chipped in. They are not an easy side to play against, and I’m so happy that we ended the tournament like this.” In recognition of their sporting conduct and fair play, Nepal was presented with the Fair Play Award. The team exemplified the true spirit of the game throughout the tournament.
Additionally, Bangladesh’s Anisur Rehman was named the best goalkeeper of the competition, highlighting his exceptional performances in front of the net.
The SAFF Championships 2023 will be etched in the memories of Indian football fans. The tournament witnessed an incredible atmosphere, with over 26,000 enthusiastic supporters filling the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The spectators united in singing the national anthem, “Vande Mataram,” as India celebrated its victory lap. The stadium became a symbol of the country’s unwavering support, devotion, and cheer throughout the tournament.
As the final whistle blew, India rejoiced in their remarkable achievement, adding another glorious chapter to the nation’s football history. The SAFF Championships title victory will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for future generations and reinforce India’s growing prominence in the sport.