India vs. Kuwait, SAFF Championship Final Highlights: IND win 9th championship, defeat KUW on penalties in dramatic final

 Highlights from the India vs. Kuwait SAFF Championship 2023 Final: After a scoreless regulation time, the hosts won the game 5-4 on penalties.

SAFF Championship 2023, India vs. Kuwait Lasting highlights On Tuesday, India defeated Kuwait 5-4 in the penalty shootout to win the SAFF Championships championship for the seventh time. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu once again made the difference by saving a critical penalty attempt in the summit match. The score remained 4-4 after five rounds of penalty kicks, thus the sudden death system was used. Mahesh Naorem scored, but Kuwait captain Khaled Hajiah's attempt was saved by diving Sandhu, setting off a raucous celebration among the home crowd and at the India dugout. Prior to Lallianzuala Chhangte's equalising goal in the 39th minute, Shabaib Al Khaldi had given Kuwait the lead in the 14th minute.

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Date: July 4, 2023, 10:35 IST

India vs. Kuwait, live stream of the SAFF Championship final: Finally, Chhetri

"I'm very grateful. The competition as a whole has been really challenging. We just got back from an extremely difficult competition in Odissa. Everyone contributed. They are a difficult team to play against. Two games in four days have required overtime. I am so ecstatic that words fail me.

Date: July 4, 2023, 10:33 IST

SAFF Championship final live, IND vs. KUW: Jhingan (nearly) discusses

"I want to thank the fans first and foremost. This victory is for you; tonight is their night. I just feel so excited about the game that I have to go. He says this as he sprints over to his crew, who have gathered for a group shot. 

Date: July 4, 2023, 10:32 IST

Live commentary of the SAFF Championship Final from Sandhu

"We did incredibly well; the boys deserve all the credit for not giving up despite being down by one goal. That is when we were most vulnerable. We scored the tying goal. After that, Kuwait attempted to hold on and force a penalty shootout, but once that happens, anyone can win.

Date: July 4, 2023, 10:26 IST

SAFF Championship final live, India vs. Kuwait: ecstasy for the home fans

While Sandhu does a thunderclap routine, Chhetri circles the stadium clapping the spectators. The players then celebrate with the crowd while carrying Chhetri on their shoulders. By this time, Igor Stimac has entered the team huddle and is being hoisted and hurled into the air by the squad. The outcome of a thrilling final was in India's benefit. There were times when Kuwait appeared to be taking the match under control, but India kept fighting back and erasing their advantages. In the end, it was Sandhu's miraculous save that gave them the victory. 

Date: July 4, 2023, 10:21 IST

SAFF Championship Final: Live IND vs. KUW: SANDHU SAVES! THE 2023 SAFF CHAMPIONSHIP IS WON BY INDIA!

Hajiah turns to the right, and Sandhu does the same, making the save this time. India wins the most suspenseful penalty shootout, causing chaos to break out in the fans. 

Date: July 4, 2023, 10:21 IST

GOAL! in the 2023 SAFF Championship Final! Kuwait 5–4 India

Mahesh Naorem speaks up and makes a change. Khaled Hajiah, the captain of Kuwait, is now up.