SAFF Championship 2023: Three Key Battles that can decide the Lebanon vs India semi-final tie

These duels will be crucial in dictating the outcome of the semi-final clash.

Lebanon and India are set to go head to head in the semi-final of the 2023 SAFF Championship on 1 July 2023. The Lebanon vs India fixture at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore is set to attract a huge crowd as both teams aim to secure a place in the final. 

It is worth noting that both Lebanon and India are undefeated at the 2023 SAFF Championship, finishing first and second in their groups respectively. The winner will face either Kuwait or Bangladesh in the final. It is difficult to predict which team will emerge as the winner but eyes will be on some high-profile individuals who play key roles in their respective squads.

As both teams prepare to lock horns once again after their recent bout in the 2023 Intercontinental Cup, here is a look at the three key battles that may decide the outcome of the semi-final.

Hassan Maatouk vs Nikhil Poojary

Hassan Maatouk is the skipper of the Lebanon football team and one of their most dangerous attackers. The winger-forward scored the winning goal in the previous game for the Cedars in a 1-0 win over the Maldives to win Group B. He also scored in the opening game of the tournament against Bangladesh in a 2-0 win.

Nikhil Poojary is likely to be the first-choice in the right-back position for India. He started the game for the Blue Tigers against Kuwait and delivered an impressive performance. The full-back must be vigilant and silence a dangerous operator like Maatouk. Their clash will be vital in the grand scheme of things.

Ali Markabawi vs Anwar Ali

Ali Markabawi leads Lebanon’s forward line and can hurt the opposition if he gets the time and space in the goalmouth area. Although he is yet to score at the 2023 SAFF Championships, the forward will be hungry to put an end to the goalless run.

Anwar Ali has put in some formidable displays in the centre of defence for India over the past few matches. His decision-making and positioning have been exceptional, and his efforts have made India a very tough team to beat. He will go toe with Ali Markabawi in an interesting clash. The centre-back is in a rich vein of form and will hope to stay close to Lebanon’s striker in order to deny any scoring chances. Ali will have to contend without his partner in crime Sandesh Jhingan, who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards.

Maxime Aoun vs Sunil Chhetri

Maxime Aoun has shown promise at the back for Lebanon and is a tough nut to crack. He is confident with the ball on his feet and shows impeccable comfort in dealing with aerial duels. The centre-back reads the game well and organises his defence brilliantly. However, his upcoming task is set to be the toughest yet at the tournament.

Sunil Chhetri has scored in each of India’s matches in the group stages of the 2023 SAFF Championship. He currently leads the goalscoring charts with five goals and is the favourite to win the golden boot. Lebanon must do everything in their power to deny Chhetri time and space in and around the box to prevent him from scoring.