This story is from July 05, 2023
A gritty India battled past Kuwait 5-4 on sudden death to lift the SAFF Championship for the ninth time at the Sree Kanteerava stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
It was India's third title this season after lifting the Tri-nations and Intercontinental Cup.
The battle of equals thrilled more than 26,380 fans at the stadium for 120 minutes before skipper Sunil Chhetri opened India's account in the shootout.
Mohammed Abdullah's shot, taken in a cauldron, struck the crossbar. That set the tone as Lallianzuala Chhangte made it 2-0 before Kuwait clawed back to 2-3.
Udanta Singh then sent his spot kick over the goal, allowing Abdulaziz Mahran to tie the score at 3-3.
Subashish Bose held his nerve and made it 4-3 but Shabib Al Khaldi again pulled the visitors level.
Young Mahesh Singh made no mistake in sudden death and then tired Kuwait skipper Khaled Hajiah's weak shot was saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
The exciting action between the two teams, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, saw Kuwait press hard early before India fought their way back and stretched the rival defence.
Both teams had their chances but the match ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time. The hosts went close in the second half added time but it was the visitors who had an even better chance.