NEW DELHI: Defending champions India displayed remarkable composure, prevailing over Lebanon with a 4-2 victory in a gripping penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes of play in an intense showdown at the SAFF Championship football.
This thrilling triumph secured their spot in the tournament's final, which is scheduled for July 4.The home team's final challenge will be against Kuwait, who emerged as the victors with a 1-0 scoreline against Bangladesh in the other semifinal match on the same day.For India, this will mark their 13th appearance in the final of this regional tournament, a remarkable achievement that extends their streak to nine consecutive finals.
Throughout the history of the championship, India have triumphed on eight occasions out of the previous 13 editions.
The sole instance when India failed to secure a top-two finish was back in 2003.In the penalty shootout, skipper Sunil Chhetri, Anwar Ali, Mahesh Singh and Udanta Singh found the back of the net for India.Lebanon could only score twice through Walid Shour and Mohammad Sadek.India goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu saved the kick from Hassan Maatouk while Khalil Bader's sailed above the crossbar.It was also India's second successive win over Lebanon after defeating them 2-0 in the recent Intercontinental Cup in Odisha.Before the late drama unfolded, the first half began with Lebanon dominating the proceedings.
India were not even in the picture for the first 10 minutes.Lebanon had a brilliant chance to go ahead in the second minute.
But Nader Matar was a bit too eager to execute a volley, failing to impart direction as it sailed over the bar.India found their bearings soon and got their first crack at the opposition goal in the 16th minute.For once, Chhetri played the role of an orchestrator and pushed forward Jeakson Singh with a well-directed pass.
Jeakson found Sahal Abdul Samad inside the box with a cross.
However, Sahal's shot was parried away at the goal line by Ali Dhaini.Lebanon were the better side in the first half and they got another chance to take lead in the 42nd minute.
However, captain Hassan Maatouk could not evade the stretched hands of Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu.Action continued to be at a furious pace in the second half as well.
But both India and Lebanon could not break the deadlock.
Both sides also defended well.Despite the midfield of both the teams showing a competitive streak, they failed to come up with a creative moment as the match meandered into the extra time.Chhetri could have scored twice in the 93rd and 95th minutes, but on both the occasions the Indian captain uncharacteristically could not find the target.
(With inputs from PTI)