Highlights of India vs. Iraq, 2023 King's Cup Semi-Final: India gained an early lead with a goal from Naorem Mahesh and were excellent throughout the game. However, a late 80' minute goal from Iraq brought the game to penalties.
India vs. Iraq Highlights from the King's Cup 2023 Semi-Final
On Thursday, September 7, the Indian men's football team made an amazing performance but suffered a painful defeat against Iraq in the King's Cup 2023 semi-final match at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai. With an early lead, the Indian team overpowered the Asian giants and led for the remainder of the game's 90 minutes. However, a late goal by Iraq sent the game to penalties, where Iraq won 5-4 to advance to the final.
Sunil Chhetri, India's standout forward and captain, has been rested for this competition, yet the Blue Tigers played an impressive eleven against Iraq. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was named captain, and Sandesh Jhinghan started at the centre of the Indian defence. Both players have been chosen to represent India in the forthcoming Asia Games 2023 and may miss the following game on September 10 for third place.
With a clinical finish, Mahesh Singh Naorem gave India a spectacular lead, with teenage midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad giving a fantastic assist in the 16th minute. After surrendering a goal, Iraq began to play more aggressively and equalised with a penalty in the 28th minute.
Sandesh handled the ball inside the box and earned a penalty, which Iraq's no.9 Ali Al-Hamadi converted into a goal with a simple finish beyond Gurpreet. Manvir Singh of Mohun Bagan put India again in front in the 51st minute after opponent goalkeeper Jalal Hasan made a mistake. Iran equalised in the 80th minute with another penalty awarded after Aymen Hussein was fouled by Indian defenders.
In penalties, FC Goa captain Brandon Fernandes struck the post on the first try, Iraq will face the winner of the Lebanon-Thailand match in the final, while India will face the other team in the third-place game on September 10. proved decisive as Iraq converted all five of their chances.