In a highly anticipated Group A encounter at the SAFF Championship 2023, India and Kuwait battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw. The match, filled with drama and intensity, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams.
India’s star striker, Sunil Chhetri, scored the first goal just before halftime from a scintillating shot from a corner, sending the Indian supporters into a frenzy. However, their lead was short-lived, as an unfortunate own goal by India’s defender Anwar Ali in stoppage time allowed Kuwait to equalize.
The game witnessed heated moments that resulted in red cards being shown to the India head coach and players Rahim Ali and Kuwait’s Hamad Al Qallaf. Despite the tension, Chhetri displayed immense sportsmanship by expressing his disappointment while supporting Anwar, acknowledging that mistakes can happen to anyone.
The Indian supporters, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty, chanted “Anwar Ali” after the match, highlighting their solidarity with the defender during a challenging moment. Chhetri, in his post-match comments, emphasized that the team remains unfazed by technical errors and showed unwavering confidence in Anwar’s ability to bounce back stronger.
While conceding a goal in stoppage time was a bitter pill to swallow for India, Chhetri stressed the positives from the match. He acknowledged that the team executed their game plan admirably and matched Kuwait’s energy throughout the contest.
