India vs Lebanon: Indian Football Team departs from Thailand empty-handed. Lebanon beats India 1-0 thanks to a strike from Kassem El Zein. The Cedars place third in the competition. India’s poor King’s Cup 2023 campaign continues as it loses its second game.
India vs Lebanon Starting XI:
India XI
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Asish Rai, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mahesh Singh Naorem
Lebanon XI
Mehdi Khalil (GK), Al Tneich, Nader Matar, Jihad Ayoub, Hassan Saad, Walid Shour, Maher Sabra, Bassel Jradi, Abdallah Moughrabi, Kassem El Zein, Mohamad Haidar (C)
Also Read: Released ISL 2023–24 Fixtures casts doubt over India’s Asian Games campaign
India vs Lebanon Preview:
India were just 10 minutes away from recording their maiden win over higher-ranked Iraq but the West Asian country equalised (2-2) though a debatable penalty and then went on to win the semifinal match 5-4 on shootout. Despite the absence of inspirational captain and striker Sunil Chhetri, the Indians did a commendable job upfront against Iraq. India’s first goal scored by Mahesh Naorem, after a brilliant pass by Sahal Abdul Samad, was a world class act.
India will, however, gain a lot of confidence from the feisty fight against 70th ranked Iraq. The world number 99 Stimac’s side will hope to sign off the tournament with a win and end at third place. India and Lebanon had played against each other three times this year. Stimac’s side have won twice — though one was via penalty shootout in the SAFF Cup semifinal.
In the Intercontinental Cup in June, India had beaten Lebanon 2-0 in the final. No doubt it will not be an easy outing for India against Lebabon. They lost to hosts Thailand 1-2 in the other semifinals on Thursday. However Stimac’s boys will fancy their chances considering their recent successes. There is nothing to separate the two teams in terms of FIFA rankings as India are ranked 99th while Lebanon are at 100th.
Match Details:
- Match: India vs Lebanon in Kings Cup
- Date: 10th September
- Venue: 700th Anniversary Stadium
- Kick off: 4.00 PM
- Live Streaming: India vs Lebanon LIVE Streaming on FIFA+
- Live Telecast: King’S Cup LIVE telecast will be available on Eurosport in India