The SAFF Championship 2023 final is set to take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on July 4, 2023. The much-anticipated clash will feature India and Kuwait, two formidable teams in the tournament. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the final match, including the confirmed lineups, key players to watch out for, and factors that could influence the outcome of the game.
India vs Kuwait SAFF Championship 2023 Final: Lineups Revealed
India’s Confirmed Lineup:
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK)
- Roshan Naorem
- Sandesh Jhingan
- Anwar Ali
- Akash Mishra
- Suresh Singh Wangjam
- Jeakson Singh
- Sahal Abdul Samad
- Liston Colaco
- Manvir Singh
- Sunil Chhetri (Captain)
Kuwait’s Confirmed Lineup:
- Fahad Al Rashidi (GK)
- Fahad Al Hajeri
- Fahad Al Ansari
- Yousef Alsulaiman
- Abdullah Malallah
- Fahad Al Muqla
- Bader Al Mutawa
- Ahmed Al Ghanim
- Abdullah Albloushi
- Yousef Nasser
- Mohammed Al Sabbahat (Captain)
SAFF Championship 2023 Final: India’s Dominance and Kuwait’s Defense
India has been the dominant force in the tournament, winning all of their matches and maintaining an unbeaten streak of 12 matches across all competitions this year. On the other hand, Kuwait, the defending champions, have shown impressive performances, securing victory in four out of their five matches. The final promises to be a closely contested match between these two formidable teams.
Suspended Head Coach: Impact on India’s Title Aspirations
India will be without head coach Igor Stimac due to suspension. Despite this setback, India possesses a strong squad capable of clinching the championship title. The players are expected to step up and give their best performance on the field.
Key Players to Watch Out For in the Final
- Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri, the Indian team captain, has been the leading scorer of the tournament with seven goals to his name. His goal-scoring prowess and leadership skills make him a key player to watch out for in the final. Chhetri will be determined to add to his goal tally and guide India to victory.
- Manvir Singh
Manvir Singh, a prominent striker for the Indian team, has displayed excellent form throughout the tournament, scoring three goals. His contribution to the team’s attack will be crucial in the final as India aims to secure the championship title.
- Liston Colaco
Liston Colaco, a creative midfielder for India, has been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to create chances and provide assists will play a vital role in India’s quest for victory.
- Fahad Al Muqla
Fahad Al Muqla, a talented midfielder from Kuwait, has consistently performed well in the tournament. His presence in the midfield will be vital for Kuwait to control the game and make decisive moves against the Indian defense.
- Abdullah Albloushi
Abdullah Albloushi, a skilled striker from Kuwait, proved his abilities in the semifinal by scoring the winning goal against Bangladesh. His goal-scoring instincts will be a significant threat to the Indian defense.
Match Preview and Expectations
The final between India and Kuwait is expected to be a closely contested match, with both teams having an equal chance of emerging as champions. The fans can anticipate an exciting and entertaining clash that will be remembered in Indian football history.
SAFF Championship History and Rivalry
India and Kuwait have faced each other 14 times in international football. India has won six matches, Kuwait has won five matches, and three matches have ended in a draw. The most recent encounter between the two teams resulted in a 1-1 draw during the group stage of the 2023 SAFF Championship. India will strive to win their first SAFF Championship title since 2015, while Kuwait aims to secure their ninth title overall.
Summary
In the SAFF Championship 2023 final, India will face Kuwait in a highly anticipated match. Both teams have shown impressive performances throughout the tournament, making the final a closely contested affair. Despite the absence of their head coach, India possesses a talented squad and aims to secure the championship title. The key players to watch out for include Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Fahad Al Muqla, and Abdullah Albloushi. The match is expected to be an exciting and entertaining spectacle for Indian football fans.
FAQs
Q1. Where will the SAFF Championship 2023 final be held?
A. The final match will take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Q2. What time does the match kick off?
A. The kick-off time for the final is at 4:30 PM IST.
Q3. How can I watch the match live?
A. The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports network in India. It will also be available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Q4. How many times have India and Kuwait played against each other?
A. India and Kuwait have faced each other 14 times in international football.
Q5. Who is the leading scorer of the tournament?
A. Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian team, is the leading scorer of the tournament with seven goals.
