Team Blitz India
Another glorious chapter was scripted when Team India brought home the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Cup by defeating Kuwait 5-4 in a sudden- death decider, in Bengaluru early this month. With this championship win, India has qualified for the Asian Football Confederation’s Asian Cup Championships to be held in Qatar from January 12 next year.Led by their talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri, the hosts prevailed over their higher- ranked West Asian opponents to lift the SAFF Cup for the record ninth time.
During the final, Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu brought about some great saves, including the one from Kuwait captain Al Alkbari in the shoot-out. After both teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time, the hosts scored through. For India, captain Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, Chhangte, Subasish Bose and Mahesh converted while Udanta Singh missed.
Sunil Chhetri also kept his 100 per cent record of scoring in all the major finals he has played by converting his spot kick. Earlier, in the semi-final, India had a tough time against Lebanon whom they beat 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out. Once again, Indian goalie Gupreet Sandhu rose to the occasion as he performed some stunning saves.
