India set to play Lebanon in King's Cup third-place play-off

Lebanon lost by a goal to Thailand

Indian national men’s football team is set to play Lebanon in their next 2023 King’s Cup fixture. Igor Stimac’s men will be vying for the third place after a narrow defeat against better-ranked Iraq. On the other hand, the Cedars lost their respective fixture to hosts Thailand by a 2-1 score line, setting up a final between the highest and the lowest-ranked team at the tournament.

An own goal by Jihad Ayoub and a late strike by Teerasil Dangda was enough to cancel out Bassel Jradi’s equaliser on the hour mark. Thailand will now play against Iraq for the trophy in the final on 10 September 2023, the same day India takes on Lebanon in the third-place playoff. The Blue Tigers were unlucky in their semi-final against Iraq and lost by 5-4 on penalties after the score was level at 2-2 following the regulation period.

Recent meets

India got the better of Lebanon in the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championships earlier this year. The Cedars will have revenge on their mind when they meet the Blue Tigers in the third-place playoff on 10 September 2023.

Indian team delivered a spirited performance against Iraq and had the lead twice in the game only to lose the contest on penalties. Two penalties in the regulation period saved Iraq from being on the receiving end of an upset. 

It was a strong performance by the Indian players - one that got praise from head coach Igor Stimac and Sunil Chhetri who was backing the team from back home. It will be interesting to see how the third-place playoff pans out with both teams entering it with contrasting mindsets. One can safely assume that it will be an exciting end to the 2023 King’s Cup.