SAFF Championship 2023 Winner Prize Money, Awards Winners List, and Man of the Match Final: Thanks to Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s decisive penalty shootout save, hosts India win the 2023 SAFF Championship final, know the tournament winner prize money, and list of award winners.
India won the 9th SAFF Championship by defeating Kuwait 1-1 (5-4) after a penalty shoot-out in the final. Although Kuwait had several chances throughout the game, the Indian defense stood firm and kept the game tied at 1–1 until the end of extra time. With this win, India has won their second title in as many months and will be eager to chase further glory.
India vs. Kuwait in the 2023 SAFF Championship final: the winner, outcome, score, and goal scorers
Al Faini dribbled in the Indian half before cutting the ball open in the box for Shaabib Al Khaldi, who headed it past the Indian goalkeeper to give Kuwait a 1–0 lead. Later, Sunil Chhetri’s weighted ball reached Lallianzuala Changte, who chipped it inside the goal to make it 1-1 and restore parity. To decide the 2023 SAFF Championship winner, a penalty shootout was required after regulation time ended at 1–1 and neither team could score in extra time. However, Kuwait captain Hajjia missed the crucial penalty kick during sudden death and helped India seal the win for his side.
During the penalty shootout, Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, Lallianzuala Changte, and Subhasish Bose scored to put India in a comfortable position. Meanwhile, Mohammad Abdullah’s missed impact did not last long as Shabiab Alkhaldi, Abdulaziz Mahran, Fawan Alotabi, and Ahmed Eldeferi converted their respective chances to put pressure on Kuwait and later, Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet, Kuwait captain Khaled Hajiya. K managed to stop the shot.
Final Result: India 1-1 (5-4) Kuwait
2023 SAFF Championship winners and Awards list
For the 2023 SAFF Championship, the Indian captain has been recognized as the Golden Boot winner for scoring the most goals in the entire tournament. Additionally, he has also received the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico was awarded the best goalkeeper award.
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