India wins SAFF Championship 2023 by defeating Kuwait in the finals via penalty. The game had ended in a tie when Shabaib Al Khaldi’s goal was equaled by India’s Lallianzuala Chhangte during the 39th minute. Post the initial 90 minutes, since the score card remained at tie 30 minutes of extra was given, but to no avail.
The teams then prepared for penalty shootout with each sides having 5 opportunities to score. Once again the score was tied as both India and Kuwait scored 4 goals out of 5. This brought us to sudden death rule.
India’s Mahesh Naorem scored but a diving India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved Khaled Hajiah’s shot to bag the victory.
The match was being played at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium. This is the ninth SAFF Championship title bagged by India. Earlier, India had bagged its eight SAFF Championship trophy by defeating Nepal in the finals of 2021.