Unbeaten since 2019, Indian football team look to continue dominance in SAFF Championship

Why you’re reading this: The Indian football team has created history once again after booking their spot in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship 2023. India registered a 2-0 win over Nepal in a Group A fixture match on June 24, 2023 that was played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore. 

3 things you need to know

• India is the most successful team in SAFF Championship with 8 titles
• India is set to face Kuwait in their last Group A match
• In their opening game, India defeated Pakistan by 4-0

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India's dominant run on their home turf

India beat Nepal by 2-0 as they extended their unbeaten run on home turf in 12 consecutive matches. No other overseas team has been able to leave the pitch in India with a win against the hosts since India's defeat to Nepal on September 5, 2019. So far, India has only conceded 2 goals in the last of these 12 home matches.

The first half of the encounter of their second-last group match against Nepal was very much dominated by the guests’ defence, which did not allow the Indian attackers and midfielders to get going. However, captain Sunil Chhetri and Naorem Mahesh Singh bagged one goal each in the second half to secure 3 points. India secured victory under assistant coach Mahesh Gawli after Igor Stimac was shown a red card in their last match against Pakistan. India's victory against Pakistan was memorable as Sunil Chhetri scored a beautiful hat-trick to secure a victory. The game ended 4-0 after a late goal from the flash of the country, Udanta. 

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What is next for the Indian football team?

India has already qualified for the SAFF Championship’s semi-finals, but they will have to go through one more match before they set their target towards the finals. India's last Group A match of the SAFF Championship will be against Kuwait to be played on Tuesday, June 27. The match will start at 7:30 IST and will decide the group's winner. Kuwait is currently ranked 143 on the FIFA rankings and can give India a tough battle but the Blues seem to be the favourite as of now.