On September 10, 2023, India vs Lebanon faced off in the third-place playoff of the King’s Cup 2023. Both teams had lost their respective semifinals, India to Iraq on penalties and Lebanon to Jordan, and were looking to end the tournament on a high note.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances. However, it was Lebanon who struck the decisive blow in the 77th minute, when Kassem El Zein scored a stunning bicycle kick to give his team the victory.
The match was a disappointment for India, who had been hoping to win the tournament and build on their recent progress. However, there were still some positives to take away, such as the performance of young players like Suresh Singh Wangjam and Akash Mishra.
The Build-Up to the Match India vs Lebanon
India and Lebanon had both been in good form going into the match. India had won their first two matches of the tournament, against Nepal and Kyrgyzstan, while Lebanon had drawn their first two matches before beating Jordan in the semifinals.
The match was expected to be a close one, with both teams having similar strengths and weaknesses. India had a strong midfield, led by captain Sunil Chhetri, while Lebanon had a dangerous attack, led by El Zein.
The Match of India vs Lebanon
The match started off at a high tempo, with both teams creating chances. India had the better of the early exchanges, but Lebanon gradually grew into the game.
The deadlock was broken in the 77th minute when El Zein scored a stunning bicycle kick to give Lebanon the lead. India tried to respond, but they were unable to find an equalizer.
The final whistle blew with Lebanon celebrating their victory, while India was left to reflect on a missed opportunity.
India’s Performance
India had a mixed performance in the match. They started off well, but they faded in the second half. The midfield was overrun by Lebanon, and the defense made some costly mistakes.
However, there were still some positives to take away from India’s performance. The young players, such as Wangjam and Mishra, showed a lot of promise. Chhetri also had a good game, and he came close to scoring on a number of occasions.
Lebanon’s Performance
Lebanon had a very good game. They were well-organized defensively, and they were clinical in attack. El Zein’s goal was a thing of beauty, and it was a deserved winner for Lebanon.
The win was a major boost for Lebanon, who are now looking to build on their recent progress. They will be hoping to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and this victory will give them a lot of confidence.
The Future of Indian Football
The match against Lebanon was a setback for India, but it is important to remember that the team is still in a rebuilding phase. The young players are getting better and better, and they will be the future of Indian football.
India needs to be patient and give the young players time to develop. If they can do that, then they will be in a good position to challenge for major trophies in the years to come.
The King’s Cup 2023
The King’s Cup 2023 was a successful tournament overall. The standard of football was high, and there were some exciting matches.
The tournament was also a good opportunity for the participating teams to test themselves against each other. This will be a valuable experience for them as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Conclusion
The India vs Lebanon match was a close and exciting contest. Lebanon deserved their victory, but India can take heart from the performance of their young players.
The future of Indian football is bright, and the team will be looking to build on their recent progress in the years to come.
To our other post: India Vs Iraq: A Historic Match In the Making