Kuwait vs India: Three key battles to decide SAFF Championship 2023 victors

The final is gearing up to be an electrifying contest between two determined outfits.

India and Kuwait will meet once again at the 2023 SAFF Championship, this time in the final of the tournament. Following their high-octane draw in group stages, the excitement is intense in the run-up to the ultimate fixture that will take place on 4 July 2023 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore.

Both teams are outrightly the best performers at the 2023 SAFF Championship and deserve to be in the final. There are brilliant players in both the line-ups who can change the complexion of the game. If their 1-1 draw in Group A is any indication, then the upcoming final is sure to be fiery.

As the final approaches closer, here is a look at the three key battles that can decide the outcome of it:

Mobarak Al-Faneeni vs Akash Mishra

It will be an intense battle on the left flank between Mobarak Al-Faneeni and Akash Mishra. The left-back was impressive for India after coming on as a substitute in the semi-final against Lebanon and may receive a starting place in the final. In any case, he is sure to feature at some point. In a scenario where Subhasish Bose starts over Mishra, then he must do all he can to stop Al-Faneeni from influencing the game.

The attacking winger has two goals for Kuwait in the competition which makes him the highest scorer for his team. He is quick and has the ability to deliver pinpoint crosses for the players in the box. The Indian defence will need to make sure that they don’t allow the winger too much time and space.

Khaled Ebrahim Hajiah vs Sunil Chhetri

Khaled Ebrahim Hajiah is the leader at the back for Kuwait and his duty will be the toughest on the night - stopping Sunil Chhetri from scoring. He will need to organise the defenders impeccably and make sure to stick close to the Indian skipper, who has the knack of finding a scoring opportunity from unthinkable situations.

The Indian skipper is the best hope for goals for the Blue Tigers. He will pull all the stops to ensure his team gets the trophy at the end of the game. He is currently the leading goal-scorer at the 2023 SAFF Championship with five goals.

Ali Matar vs Anirudh Thapa

The midfield battle often decides the flow of the game and which team dominates possession of the ball. India’s Anirudh Thapa is an exceptional player with an incredible work-rate, vision and ability to create scoring chances for the forwards. However, he will need to fend off the pressure applied to him by Ali Matar of Lebanon.

The midfielder uses his exceptional reading of the game to intercept the passes and deny space to the opposition attackers. His ability to transit the ball from defence to attack is extremely useful. Whoever comes out on top in midfield, will certainly give his team a huge advantage in the final.