The India U-20 National Team signed off from the AFC U-20 Asian Cup on a victorious note with a 2-1 win against Kuwait at the Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium in Kuwait City on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.
With this win, India finished third in Group H of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023, behind Australia and Iraq.
Taison Singh and Gurkirat Singh scored the two goals for India, while Saleh Almehtab had pulled one back for Kuwait.
India started off on the front foot, and in the very first minute, a long throw hurled into the box caused some confusion in the Kuwait defence, resting in an Indian corner. Himanshu Jangra made a fine run at the near post onto a Vibin cross, but it went over the cross-bar.
Goalkeeper Zahid Bukhari had to make a crucial save a minute later off a shot by Fahad Alazmi.
With around five minutes to go, Abhishek Tekcham was released down the right by Taison, as the former beat his marker, entered the box, and sent in a low cross, but nobody could get onto the end of it.
India headed to the dressing room at the half time break with a goal lead.
Kuwait came out with more impetus after the change of ends, with Yosef Alshammari looking to make a few darting runs.
However, it was Taison who had the first real chance of the half in the 53rd minute, when he charged down the right, cut inside, and unleashed a left-footer that was saved by Alajmi.
A little after the hour mark, a Vibin corner fell to Gurkirat, whose header was blocked. Sajad Hussain, who got on to the rebound, struck it over the target.
With under 20 minutes to go, it was a tale of two free-kicks. Kuwait captain Saleh Almehtab curled a free-kick into the Indian goal to equalise for the hosts.
Kuwait’s lead lasted for just three minutes, however, as Taison, on one of his numerous runs down the right, was brought down outside the Kuwaiti area. Gurkirat stepped up to the ball and sent a powerful shot goalwards, as it took a deflection before going into the net.
With the match winding down to a frantic end, Gurkirat broke down the right on a counter attack, as he entered the box and unleashed a shot, but it went over. India made one change, bringing on Aphaoba Singh in place of Himanshu Jangra in the closing stages, as the match soon came to an end, with India taking the three points.
(Source: AIFF )