This was the iconic captain's final match, with the official attendance at the Salt Lake Stadium being 58,291.
Both teams were tied in the first half, but Kuwait created better chances but Gurpreet Singh's excellent performance between the sticks kept the teams on par. India made a nervous start to the game with some poor possession, but gradually improved their passing and found rhythm, but were unable to create any significant chances.
Igor Stimac decided to change things up and brought on Brandon Fernandes and Rahim Ali in place of Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad after the first half. Ali almost became the hero just minutes after the start as he was about to score but a good save by Sulman Abdulghafoor prevented him from scoring his 20th goal.
Controversy broke out in the 75th minute when Anwar Ali brought down Alsumaini in the box but Kuwait were not awarded a penalty. It was a solid debut from 22-year-old Jai Gupta, who was strong in the left-back position, keeping the tricky Eid Alrashidi at bay for most of the game.
Edmund Lalrindika became the first I-League player to make his national team debut under Stimac when he was subbed in under Jai Gupta, demonstrating the team's attacking intent, but a fight between him and Sami Alsania saw him ruled out. It has been done. sent out. The debut was lackluster. Both players got yellow cards.
Chhetri took his time after the full-time whistle and thanked the fans for their tremendous support.
The Indian national team gave one of the greatest players to ever play for the Blue Tigers a standing ovation as the 39-year-old walked into the stadium for the last time and was given a guard of honour, leaving the captain in tears. ,
India will now face Qatar in their final match of the second round of the qualifiers on June 11.
- aa/bsk/
Both teams were tied in the first half, but Kuwait created better chances but Gurpreet Singh's excellent performance between the sticks kept the teams on par. India made a nervous start to the game with some poor possession, but gradually improved their passing and found rhythm, but were unable to create any significant chances.
Igor Stimac decided to change things up and brought on Brandon Fernandes and Rahim Ali in place of Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad after the first half. Ali almost became the hero just minutes after the start as he was about to score but a good save by Sulman Abdulghafoor prevented him from scoring his 20th goal.
Controversy broke out in the 75th minute when Anwar Ali brought down Alsumaini in the box but Kuwait were not awarded a penalty. It was a solid debut from 22-year-old Jai Gupta, who was strong in the left-back position, keeping the tricky Eid Alrashidi at bay for most of the game.
Edmund Lalrindika became the first I-League player to make his national team debut under Stimac when he was subbed in under Jai Gupta, demonstrating the team's attacking intent, but a fight between him and Sami Alsania saw him ruled out. It has been done. sent out. The debut was lackluster. Both players got yellow cards.
Chhetri took his time after the full-time whistle and thanked the fans for their tremendous support.
The Indian national team gave one of the greatest players to ever play for the Blue Tigers a standing ovation as the 39-year-old walked into the stadium for the last time and was given a guard of honour, leaving the captain in tears. ,
India will now face Qatar in their final match of the second round of the qualifiers on June 11.
- aa/bsk/
