India vs Kuwait result SAFF Championship final: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu emerged as the hero of the penalty shootout once again, as India claimed the 2023 SAFF Championship by defeating Kuwait. Two hours of open play were not enough to separate the two teams, with the scoreline reading 1-1.Â
The match went to penalties and in front of a roaring home crowd, the national team claimed their second trophy in as many months. They were scored against by an opponent for the first time since the Intercontinental Cup, but were able to turn things around and pick up the win.Â
India vs Kuwait result: final decision made on penaltiesÂ
Lallianzuala Chhangte was able to finish off a brilliant team effort from India to score the equaliser at the stroke of half time. Much like the rest of the games in the tournament, the referee had a tough time controlling this fixture as well. And just like their previous meeting, things got heated once again between the two sets of players.
India had the chance to finish off the game late, but Chhangte squandered a brilliant opportunity. The Blue Tigers had to defend with everything they had to even send the game to penalties.
India have now won the SAFF Championship for the ninth time in their history. Moreover, they have now equalled their head to head record with Kuwait as well, notching two wins each. But what is even more impressive is the fact that they have won it by going undefeated throughout the tournament.