India defeated Lebanon for the second time in just over a month to qualify for the SAFF Championship 2023 final on Saturday. The match ended without a goal in normal and extra-time after which it went into penalties where Gurpreet Singh Sandhu shone for the Blue Tigers.
Sandhu's Penalty Saves Lead India to Victory
Sandhu stopped a shot from Maatouk while Bader hit the ball over the goalpost to help India clinch a 4-2 win on penalties after Sunil Chhetri, Udanta, Mahesh, and Anwar Ali scored one each in the penalties for the home team.
India will be playing in the final of the regional tournament for the 13th time and ninth on the trot. They have won eight times in the earlier 13 editions. The only time India did not make it to the top two was in 2003.
Recap of the Match and Stalemate
Before the late drama unfolded, the first half began with Lebanon dominating the proceedings. India were not even in the picture for the first 10 minutes. Lebanon had a brilliant chance to go ahead in the second minute.
But Nader Matar was a bit too eager to execute a volley, failing to impart direction as it sailed over the bar. India found their bearings soon and got their first crack at the opposition goal in the 16th minute.
Intense Second Half and Extra Time
Lebanon were the better side in the first half and they got another chance to take the lead in the 42nd minute. However, captain Hassan Maatouk could not evade the stretched hands of Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu.
Action continued to be at a furious pace in the second half as well. But both India and Lebanon could not break the deadlock.
Both sides also defended well. Despite the midfield of both teams showing a competitive streak, they failed to come up with a creative moment as the match meandered into extra time. (With PTI inputs)
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