The final hurdle in India’s SAFF Championship title defence, against Kuwait, is expected to be the sternest challenge. India, the defending champions, are aiming to secure a ninth SAFF Championship, following close on the heels of their recent Intercontinental Cup triumph. However, it won’t be an easy task, especially without Igor Stimac – the coach who is suspended for this game – on the touchline.
In their previous encounter during the group stage of the tournament, India acquitted themselves well, and were agonisingly close to victory until a late own goal from Anwar Ali. This time, they will be eager to secure a first win against Kuwait.
India reached the final after a dramatic penalty-shooutout victory over Lebanon in the semi-final, while Kuwait earned their spot with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bangladesh.
India are unbeaten in their last 10 home games, and have kept clean sheets in nine of those matches. On the other hand, Kuwait will be determined to claim their first trophy since winning the Arabian Gulf Cup in 2010.
Both teams played 120 minutes in the semi-finals, and India showed significant improvement in their fitness, with players like Sunil Chhetri pushing themselves to the limit in search of a winner. If the final goes into extra time, India could potentially reap the benefits of their much-improved fitness.
Stimac has made changes to the playing XI in almost every game, including the goalkeeper’s position. Both Amrinder Singh and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu have stepped up whenever they have got an opportunity, but Gurpreet is favoured to start in the final after his extraordinary display against Lebanon.
Player to watch out for
For Kuwait, Mobarak Al-Faneeni, the left winger, will be their attacking kingpin. His skills, pace, and quick decision-making ability can pose a challenge to India’s defence.
For India, Sandesh Jhingan, their towering defender who was suspended against Lebanon, will return to marshal the backline, and will have a major role to play in ensuring that India claim yet more silverware.
Head-to-head Record
In terms of head-to-head record, before their recent meeting in the group stage, India and Kuwait had faced each other once in 2010, with Kuwait registering a thumping 9-1 win.
Probable Line-ups
India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose, Jeakson Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Ashique Kuruniyan, Sunil Chhetri (C).
Kuwait: Kameel, Al-Buloushi, Hajiah, Al-Enezi, Muhaisen, Khalaf, Al-Enezi, Al-Rashidi, Dashti, Al-Faneeni, Al-Awadi.