The Bangabandhu SAFF Championship has reached the final stage, with India set to face Kuwait in the final today, 7:30 PM, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. India, the eight-time champions, will be vying for their ninth sub-continental title in what promises to be an exciting showdown.
India’s Impressive Journey
The ongoing 2024 SAFF Championship has been a memorable one for India, with standout performances and record-breaking achievements. Led by skipper Sunil Chhetri, the Indian team showcased their dominance from the start. In the opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan, India secured a convincing 4-0 victory, with Chhetri himself netting a remarkable hat-trick.
Building on their early success, India continued their winning streak, defeating Nepal 2-0 in their second group-stage match. The team’s stellar defensive display led to their eighth consecutive clean sheet, equaling the Indian record for the most consecutive clean sheets.
In their final group stage game, India faced Kuwait, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Despite not finishing as the group leaders, India advanced to the final as the second-best team based on goal difference.
India: Thrilling Semifinal and Unbeaten Streak
The semifinal clash between India and Lebanon provided a nail-biting encounter. The match remained goalless throughout regulation time and extra time, eventually leading to a thrilling penalty shootout. India emerged victorious, securing a spot in the final and extending their unbeaten streak to an impressive 20 matches, marking their best unbeaten run in football history.
The SAFF Championship final is an opportunity for India to avenge a 2010 friendly match defeat when they were handed a 1-9 drubbing by Kuwait. The tables have turned since then, with India’s rise in FIFA rankings, currently placed at 100, compared to Kuwait at 141. India will be aiming to reclaim their pride and emerge victorious in the final.
Kuwait’s Impressive Run
Kuwait has also enjoyed an impressive run in the tournament, securing victories against Nepal (3-1) and Pakistan (4-0) in the group stage. Their encounter with India ended in a 1-1 draw. The Kuwaiti team advanced to the final as the top-ranked team from their group, and their journey includes a hard-fought victory against Bangladesh in the semifinal.
Playing Styles and Key Players
Kuwait has displayed an attacking style of football throughout the tournament, while India has focused on their improved defensive capabilities under the guidance of coach Igor Stimac. India’s star forward, Sunil Chhetri, has been in sensational form, leading the goal-scoring charts in the championship with five goals to his name.
Everything You Need to Know for the Final
As the SAFF Championship final approaches, anticipation and excitement are mounting among football enthusiasts. India, with their rich history in the tournament, and Kuwait, making their first-ever appearance in the final, will both be determined to lift the coveted trophy.
Fans in India can catch the action live on DD Sports, while the match will also be streamed on FanCode. The clash between these two competitive teams promises to be a thrilling encounter, leaving football fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
