19, June, 2024
In a thrilling showdown at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India emerged victorious in the Intercontinental Cup final by defeating Lebanon with a resounding 2-0 score line. Captain Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte were the heroes of the night, each contributing a crucial goal to guide India to their second Intercontinental Cup title.
The match started off with both teams showcasing their determination to claim the trophy. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Despite India enjoying a slight advantage in possession, Lebanon created more scoring opportunities, registering seven shots on goal compared to India’s three. However, both teams lacked the necessary cutting edge to convert their chances, resulting in a goalless stalemate reminiscent of their previous encounter just two days prior.
Image Source: The Quint
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half as India came out firing on all cylinders. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 46th minute when Chhangte made a charging run into the box before delivering a well-placed pass to Chhetri. The 38-year-old Indian icon calmly slotted the ball past Lebanon’s goalkeeper, Ali Sabeh, opening the scoring and marking his 87th international goal—an extraordinary feat.
Buoyed by their lead and spurred on by the raucous support of the near-capacity crowd, India continued to assert their dominance. In the 66th minute, Chhangte once again found himself in the spotlight. This time, it was Chhetri who turned provider, delivering a pass to substitute Naorem Mahesh Singh. Singh’s shot was saved by Sabeh, but Chhangte pounced on the rebound, doubling India’s lead and sending the fans into euphoria.
Image Source: NDTV Sports
The Indian team’s positive start to the match was evident from the early stages. In the sixth minute, Ashique Kuruniyan was brought down inside the Lebanese box, prompting fervent appeals from the Indian players for a penalty. Unfortunately, the referee remained unmoved, much to the chagrin of India’s head coach, Igor Stimac, who expressed his frustration on the sidelines.
As the game progressed, Lebanon threatened on the counter-attack, looking to catch India off guard. However, Ashique displayed exceptional awareness and committed a tactical foul, earning a yellow card to prevent Lebanon from launching a dangerous offensive. His selfless action demonstrated the team’s unity and determination to protect their goal at all costs.
With this victory, India secured their second Intercontinental Cup title, adding to their triumph in the inaugural edition in 2018. The achievement holds significant meaning for Chhetri, who, in the twilight of his illustrious career, continues to inspire his teammates and fans alike with his exceptional goal-scoring prowess.
Image Source: My Khel
The Intercontinental Cup final showcased India’s progress under coach Igor Stimac, who has instilled a more attacking mindset in the team. The players demonstrated improved coordination and creativity in the final third, resulting in the crucial goals that ultimately sealed their triumph.
As the final whistle blew, the Indian contingent erupted in jubilation, savoring their well-deserved victory and celebrating the culmination of their hard work and dedication. The Intercontinental Cup triumph not only serves as a testament to India’s growing prowess in international football but also represents a significant milestone in their journey towards achieving greater success on the global stage.
Looking ahead, the Indian team will undoubtedly draw inspiration from this victory as they continue to strive for excellence in future competitions. With the guidance of their indomitable captain, Sunil Chhetri, and the collective determination of the entire squad, Indian football is poised to scale new heights and leave an indelible mark on the world stage.
India has set its sights on securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
