In an unexpected turn of events, India found themselves facing off against Iraq in the King’s Cup, despite being ranked twenty-nine places lower in the FIFA rankings. Despite the absence of key players like Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte, the Indian team put up a commendable performance, taking the lead twice against Iraq. However, Iraq managed to equalize with two penalty kicks, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 draw after ninety minutes of play. The subsequent penalty shootout saw Brandon Fernandes as the only player to miss a spot-kick, leading to Iraq securing their spot in the King’s Cup final.
Lebanon’s journey in the tournament was equally challenging. Their hopes were dashed in the 87th minute of their match against Thailand, as Teerasil Dangda’s crucial header secured Thailand’s victory and a place in the finals against Iraq. Earlier in the game, an unfortunate own goal by Jihad Ayoub had given Thailand the lead, but Bassel Jrardi managed to level the score for Lebanon.
As the defeated teams, India and Lebanon, prepare to face each other for the bronze medal, Thailand and Iraq are gearing up for a showdown in the title match.
Recent Form of India and Lebanon
In 2023, the Indian Football Team has maintained an impressive unbeaten record, with the exception of the recent penalty shootout result. They have secured victories in three consecutive tournaments, starting with the Tri-Nation Series, where they emerged victorious against teams like Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan. Subsequently, they faced Mongolia, Vanuatu, and Lebanon twice, remaining undefeated to claim the Intercontinental Cup.
Their success continued at the SAFF Championships, where they triumphed over Pakistan, Nepal, Kuwait, Lebanon (once more), and Kuwait in the finals, ultimately lifting the coveted trophy. Under the leadership of Igor Stimac, the team has displayed remarkable form in 2023, and they are determined to maintain this performance throughout the rest of the year.
On the other hand, Lebanon has had a relatively modest performance in 2023. They suffered a defeat against Oman in a friendly match held in Muscat earlier in the year. In the Intercontinental Cup, their sole victory came against Vanuatu, with two goalless draws against Mongolia and India, leading to a 2-0 loss to the Blue Tigers in the finals. Their SAFF Championships campaign also ended in disappointment with a loss to India, halting their previous three-game winning streak against Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Maldives.
Head-to-Head Record
India and Lebanon crossed paths three times this year, with India emerging unbeaten in all three encounters. They secured a 2-0 win over Lebanon in the Intercontinental Cup final in Bhubaneshwar, with goals from Chhetri and Chhangte. Earlier in the same tournament, they played to a goalless draw during the group stages. They met again in the SAFF Championship semis, where the match ended 0-0 after ninety minutes, but India triumphed in the penalty shootout. Chhetri, Anwar Ali, Mahesh Singh, and Udanta successfully converted their penalties for India, while Hassan Maatouk and Khalil Bader missed theirs, handing India the victory and a spot in the finals.
Probable Lineups
India XI – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Nikhil Poojary, Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Sahal Abdul Samad, Ashique Kuriniyan, Manvir Singh
Lebanon XI – Mostapha Matar, Kassem El Zein, Walid Chour, Hussein Zein, Soony Saad, Ali Tneich, Nader Matar, Hassan Srour, Hassan Maatouk, Bassel Jradi, Hilal El-Helwe
