Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023: India face tough challenge in Lebanon

Lebanon are the highest-ranked (FIFA Rankings) team in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023.

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

Player to Watch

Lallianzuala Chhangte (India)

Lallianzuala Chhangte proved his quality with a decisive performance in the opening game and is likely to return to the starting XI for this one too! The Mumbai City FC star was the most prolific Indian attacking player in the 2022-23 domestic season and is aiming to replicate his heroics at the international stages. Stimac is now giving more freedom to Chhangte, allowing him to move all around the final third to trouble the opponents.

He’ll aim to use his smart off-the-ball movement, ability to dribble past opponents and curve into promising central areas to trouble Lebanon. Most importantly, Chhangte needs to be accurate with his final third passes and take his goal-scoring chances clinically to help India outwit the Cedars.

Nader Matar (Lebanon)

Nader Matar is among the most experienced players in the Lebanon team, having played for them since 2012. The reason behind his longevity is because of how influential he has been for the national team and inspired them to positive results. Matar scored their first goal of the Hero Intercontinental Cup against Vanuatu and will aim to rediscover his spark against India.

Matar is an innovative, smart player who loves to sneak into promising areas in the final third and loves having the ball in his feet. He’ll aim to create major chances with his creative final third passes as well as decisive set-piece delivery, and also look to get in behind the Indian backline to test Gurpreet Singh Sandhu with his clinical shot attempts.

Did you know?

• India have kept clean sheets in their last four competitive matches and are yet to concede a goal in 2023. The last time they conceded a goal was against Vietnam in September, 2022.
• Lebanon captain Hassan Maatouk is the most capped player in Lebanon national team history, having made 102 appearances.
• India are currently in a seven-game winning run at home. The last time they lost a match in home turf was in 2019, when they lost to Oman in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Telecast

The match between India and Lebanon will take place on June 15 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. It will kick-off at 7:30 PM IST and will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming of the game will be available on JioTv & Disney+Hotstar.