India vs Lebanon result: India have advanced to the finals of the 2023 SAFF Championship by defeating Lebanon 4-2 on penalties after 120 minutes of play. The two teams could not break the deadlock, and went into the shootout at 0-0.
This is the third time that the Blue Tigers have defeated Lebanon in the span of a month, having won the Intercontinental Cup by defeating Lebanon in the finals as well. This time, they were not able to score a goal but kept a clean sheet as they advanced to touching distance of yet another trophy in the span of a month.
India vs Lebanon result: SAFF Championship 2023 final spot confirmed for Igor Stimac’s men
As they have done for the most part this tournament, the Blues dominated possession and were able to build up remarkably well. But, their performance in the final third was lacking as they were unable to conjure up enough solid chances to get on the end of. Moreover, their lack of clinical finishing has also proved to be a problem with only six of their 19 total shots on target.
Lebanon tried to play a unique card by bringing on a substitute goalkeeper for the shootout. But it didn’t prove to be an effective strategy as Al-Sabaa was unable to keep out a single Indian penalty.
Maatouk and Bader missed their penalties, with the latter taking the final kick. Under the pressure, Bader skied his effort to send India into the finals after a hard fought win.
The game also provided another intense moment between the two teams as tensions got the better of them. The assistant coach of Lebanon was also sent off late in the game for his reactions. Indian head coach Igor Stimac was already suspended for the game, following his second red card of the tournament in their last game. And he could only watch on from the stands as his side picked up a huge win.
