the Indian men’s football team faced a 5-4 defeat in a penalty shootout against Iraq.

The Indian men’s football team will next play the second losing semi-finalists from the match between hosts Thailand and Lebanon in the third-place match on Sunday.

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the Indian men’s football team faced a 5-4 defeat in a penalty shootout against Iraq. Their next fixture will be for the third-place position on Sunday.

In the semi-final match of the King’s Cup 2023 held at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai on Thursday, September 7, the Indian men’s football team put on an impressive display but suffered a heart-wrenching defeat against Iraq. The Indian team initially seized control of the game, taking an early lead and maintaining their advantage for most of the 90 minutes. However, a last-minute goal by Iraq pushed the match into a penalty shootout, where Iraq secured a 5-4 victory, earning themselves a place in the final.

In the semi-finals of the King’s Cup 2023 football tournament at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Indian men’s football team suffered a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat against Iraq, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time. This outcome marked India’s seventh loss in eight encounters against Iraq.

During regulation time, India took an early lead with Naorem Mahesh scoring in the 17th minute, while an own goal by Jalal Hassan Hachim (51’) added to India’s tally. Iraq responded with goals from Ali Al-Hamadi (28’) and Aymen Hussein (80’).

The Indian team, ranked 99th globally, participated in the tournament without their star player Sunil Chhetri, who was absent due to personal reasons. Playing in their traditional blue jerseys, the Indian side initially adopted a deep defensive strategy and focused on counter-attacks, while Iraq maintained an offensive approach from the outset.

Despite Iraq’s relentless attacks, India’s defense, led by experienced center-back Sandesh Jhingan, remained resolute. India managed to take the lead against the run of play, with Sahal Abdul Samad assisting Naorem Mahesh to score their first goal.

Iraq leveled the score ten minutes later through Ali Al-Hamadi’s penalty, awarded after Sandesh Jhingan was penalized for a handball in the box. The first half concluded with a 1-1 tie.

In the second half, India exhibited greater offensive intensity, regaining the lead thanks to an own goal by Jalal Hassan Hachem, following a mishandled shot by India’s Manvir Singh. However, Iraq equalized again, this time from a penalty taken by Aymen Hussein after he was fouled by Indian defenders in the box.

As the match progressed, Iraq dominated possession and mounted attacks on the Indian side, while the Indian defense held firm. The match took a dramatic turn when Zidane Iqbal received a red card in the dying moments, giving India a numerical advantage. Despite this advantage, India was unable to capitalize on their opportunities, and the game was ultimately decided in a penalty shootout, where Brandon Fernandes hit the post.

The Indian men’s football team is scheduled to compete in the third-place match on Sunday against the losing semi-finalists from the match between hosts Thailand and Lebanon. In their previous King’s Cup appearance in 2019, India secured a bronze medal by defeating Thailand 1-0 in the third-place match after losing to Curacao in the semi-finals.