Hero Intercontinental Cup: India vs Lebanon Live Updates

Published at :June 16, 2023 at 12:25 AM

Modified at :June 16, 2023 at 4:28 AM

6:30 PM: Hello everyone and welcome to Khel Now’s LIVE COVERAGE of the India vs Lebanon match in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023. The kick-off is just one hour away! I’m your host Aishwarya Chakraborty, and I’ll be keeping you company through what promises a fascinating evening of football. Please wait for 30 Seconds for the Live blog to load.

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Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023: India vs Lebanon - Build-up

India aim to cap off a perfect group stages in the 2023 Hero Intercontinental Cup with a win over arguably their toughest opponent in Lebanon, on Thursday. The Blue Tigers have been in impressive form and avoided any kind of an upset so far, having won their last two matches in the competition.

However, now the real test starts for Igor Stimac. Lebanon is the highest-ranked team in the competition and defeating them would be a statement of intent from India. Even though they’re already qualified for the final, the Blue Tigers need to take this challenge seriously and operate at their optimum quality to thrill the Kalinga Stadium faithful with some quality football.

The Stakes

India

For the Blue Tigers, the real test of the Hero Intercontinental Cup will kick-start now. Even though they are heading into this game in impressive fashion, having won their last few competitive matches, India are aware of the unpredictable threat that Lebanon pose.

As Stimac himself conveyed after the Vanuatu game, India’s performance level should go up from this upcoming game. That will bring expectations that the Blue Tigers will produce even more ruthless, entertaining performances. Even though dropping points won’t be the worst thing for India, they wouldn’t want to go into the final with a losing momentum. Hence it’d be important for them to keep their winning streak in tact and prove that they can even topple higher-ranked teams in home turf in compelling fashion.

Lebanon

The Cedars have produced two rather polarizing performances in the Hero Intercontinental Cup. In their defence, they haven’t been helped by the 4 PM kick-off fixtures in the toxic heat at the Kalinga Stadium. This time, they’ll play in considerably comfortable conditions and against their most daunting opponent.

Lebanon will aim to pick up their performance levels and prove how good they are in the upcoming game against the hosts.

Injury & Team News

The Blue Tigers missed some important players like Rahul Bheke and Ishan Pandita against Vanuatu. They will face a test against time to be fit for the upcoming matches.

Lebanon should have a fully fit team available for this important fixture.

Head-to-head

India have faced Lebanon six times in competitive football in their history, winning only once – which was the first-ever game between these two sides in the 1977 President’s Cup. The last time India faced the Cedars was back in 2009, suffering a narrow loss in a friendly game.

Also Read: India vs Lebanon: Head-to-head record

Predicted Line-ups

India (4-2-3-1)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Pritam Kotal, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Jeakson Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri, Naorem Mahesh Singh

Lebanon (4-2-3-1)

Ali Sabeh (GK), Hussein Zein, Mohammad El Hayek, Maxime Aoun, Jihad Ayoub, Hassan Saad, Walid Chouar, Ali Tneich, Zein Abidine Farran, Nader Matar, Karim Darwich