Chhetri's last dance ends in stalemate

PANAJI

In an emotional farewell for Sunil Chhetri, the Indian national men's football team drew 0-0 against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup and Asian Cup combined qualifiers at the YBK Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday. This match marked Chhetri's last appearance in national team colors, adding a poignant touch to the evening.

India started defensively, focusing on countering Kuwait's aggressive attack. The first significant moment came in the third minute when Kuwait's attack through the left side was stopped by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who punched the ball away to concede the first corner of the match. Kuwait continued to dominate early on, and in the eighth minute, a mistake by Jay Gupta gave Al Rashidi a clear chance, but Gurpreet saved the situation.

India's first notable chance came in the 10th minute through Liston Colaco, whose effort led to a corner. Anirudh Thapa delivered a perfect cross, but Anwar Ali's header went over the crossbar.

Despite Kuwait having 52.8% possession in the first half, India created more opportunities, with seven shots compared to Kuwait's four. Most of India's attacks (57%) came from the right side, where Lallianzuala Chhangte was particularly threatening.

The second half began with a freekick from Kuwait's Mohammed Abdullah that went over the bar. India responded with a brilliant through ball from Nikhil Poojary to substitute Rahim Ali, who broke the offside trap but missed the target. Brandon Fernandes then set up Chhangte, leading to a series of four corners for India, but Kuwait's defense held firm.

Chhangte remained a constant threat, delivering a cross to Manvir Singh, who unfortunately couldn't capitalize. A notable moment in the match was the debut of Edmund Lalrindika, the first I-League player in five years to debut for the Indian senior team. However, tensions rose when Lalrindika and Sultan Alenezi clashed, resulting in yellow cards for both players.

India's coach, Igor Stimac, acknowledged the challenges, saying, "We knew it was going to be tough. All these times we faced Kuwait, it was not easy. Most of the players were not up to their marks."

When asked about who could replace Chhetri as the next Number 9, Stimac mentioned, "Rahim Ali can be the one; he has been making the runs, but we need goals. Manvir, Liston, and SivaShakti also have the potential."

Match statistics & highlights

The match ended in a 0-0 draw, a fittingly intense conclusion to Sunil Chhetri's illustrious international career. Despite numerous chances and moments of excitement, neither team could find the net. India's defense, led by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, stood strong against Kuwait's persistent attacks. The result leaves both teams sharing points in this crucial qualifier.

As the final whistle blew, the YBK Stadium erupted in applause for Sunil Chhetri, honoring his legendary career. The draw may not have provided a winning send-off, but it highlighted the spirit and determination that Chhetri has embodied throughout his time with the team.

The match may have ended in a draw, but it was a night filled with emotion and respect for one of India's greatest footballers. The focus now shifts to the future, as India looks to build on this performance and continue their journey in the qualifiers

Possession: Kuwait 52.8%, India 47.2%; Shots: India 7, Kuwait 4; Corners: India 6, Kuwait 5

- Yellow Cards: India 1 (Edmund Lalrindika), Kuwait 1 (Sultan Alenezi)