49th King’s Cup: India misses out on bronze medal

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Chiang Mai, Thailand). India’s return to Thailand for the 49th King’s Cup football tournament ended in disappointment as they went down by a goal to Lebanon in a hard-fought third-place playoff here on Sunday.

In a tightly contested match, Kassam El Zein’s acrobatic back-volley from a corner kick in the 77th minute was enough to ensure Lebanon’s first win against India in 2023.

Igor Stimac’s men launched several attacks and contained themselves in the Lebanese half for most of the second half, but their search for an equalizer proved futile.

After a goalless first half that saw several tries from both the teams, India were saved from a close call in the 48th minute when goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh made a save.

A horrendous defensive error almost spelled disaster for India in the 64th minute, before Gurpreet swept the ball home from the spot.

In the 69th minute, Brandon Fernandes managed to deliver a precise pass under great pressure. Rahul KP made a vigorous run to reach the ball and delivered the pass, but Lebanese goalkeeper Khaleel rushed to clear it.

India got their chance in the 79th minute when Lallianzuala Changte and Nikhil Raj displayed excellent teamwork, Changte came in and fired a shot on goal. But this effort went too far.

In the 90th minute, Brandon Fernandes stepped up to take a free kick from the right, but his shot was quickly blocked by the Lebanese defence.

The match ended 1-0 in favor of Lebanon, leaving the Indian men’s team disappointed.

(IANS)

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