SAFF Championship 2023: Five talking points from India's lively draw against Kuwait

Igor Stimac was sent off once more, as Kuwait equalized in stoppage time to halt India's clean sheet record.

In the last game of Group A in the SAFF Championship, India and Kuwait clashed in an intense battle that ended in a 1-1 draw. It was a crucial match for both teams, as they sought to secure a favourable position in the tournament. Captain Sunil Chhetri displayed his brilliance by scoring a crucial goal in the 45+2 minute, giving India a much-needed lead.

However, their joy was short-lived as an unfortunate own goal in the 90+2 minutes allowed Kuwait to equalize. Despite the setback, India's performance was strong enough to secure their spot in the semi-finals as the second-placed team in their group. Now, they are bracing themselves to face the leaders from Group B in the upcoming match, with hopes of progressing further in the tournament. Here are the top 5 talking points.

Chhetri continues to break records

In today's game against Kuwait, Sunil Chhetri's goal not only gave India a crucial lead, but also saw him to tie the record with Maldives' Ali Ashfaq as the all-time top-scorer of the SAFF Championship. Chhetri's consistent performance and goal-scoring abilities have made him the biggest dependable option for the Indian team. As the captain and leading figure in the squad, his contributions on the field continue to inspire and drive the team forward. With his record-breaking achievements, Chhetri's presence and impact remain instrumental in India's quest for success in the tournament.

A thrilling first half

The first half of the game between India and Kuwait was an intense battle filled with constant action and excitement. Both teams displayed a relentless attacking and defensive approach, resulting in a thrilling encounter. The players fought for every ball, engaging in fierce battles all over the pitch. It was a true test of skill, determination, and physicality. Chhetri's timely strike shifted the momentum in India's favour and added an extra layer of excitement to an already action-packed half.

The clean sheet record comes to an end

In a dramatic turn of events, India had to settle for a draw in the thrilling match against Kuwait due to Anwar Ali's unfortunate own goal in the 90+2 minutes. It was a disappointing outcome for the Indian team, as they had been in a winning position and were unable to secure all three points.

The match was a highly competitive and closely contested affair, making the draw even more frustrating for India. Moreover, the own goal by Anwar Ali brought an end to the team's impressive streak of seven consecutive clean sheets. It was a setback for the Indian defence, but they will look to regroup and bounce back strongly in their upcoming matches.

Another red card for Stimac

In a highly unfortunate turn of events, Indian coach Igor Stimac received his second red card of the tournament during the chaotic moments of the match. Stimac got involved in an in-field fight during the latter stages of the game, resulting in his dismissal from the sidelines.

This incident mirrored his previous red card against Pakistan, which had led to his absence from India's subsequent match against Nepal. As a responsible coach, it is imperative for Stimac to maintain composure and effectively manage his team during such heated situations.

Getting involved in the altercation not only jeopardizes his own position but also adversely affects the team's performance and morale. It is crucial for Stimac to control his temper and provide guidance to his players rather than getting personally involved in confrontations, as this has serious implications for the team. 

The match was filled with chaos and fights

The match between India and Kuwait was marred by several incidents of chaos and fights between the players of both teams. As the intensity heightened towards the end, the confrontations between the players became more frequent. The situation escalated to the point where Rahim Ali of India and Al Qallaf of Kuwait were both shown red cards for their involvement in the altercations. The disciplinary actions were necessary to restore order and ensure the safety and fairness of the game.