India beat Lebanon to lift SAFF Cup for ninth time

India’s super star Sunil Chhetri won their SAFF 2033 Most Valuable Player Award finishing as the tournament’s highest scorer with five goals. and Best Goal Keeper Anisur Rahan Zico

By Susil Premalal
India stamped their mark as the most powerful football team in South Asia when they won the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Cup for the ninth time defeating the invited Kuwait team 5-4 on penalties. 
Six countries in the South Asian region and two invitation teams took part in the 14th edition of SAFF Cup at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore, India. 
The score in the final was deadlocked at 1-1 even after 30 minutes of extra time was played. 

In the penalty shoot out, India were successful with five goals and Kuwait four. 
Since the tournament first began in Pakistan in 1993, India has won the SAFF trophy a record nine times. 
In the semifinals, India beat Lebanon 4-2 on penalties while Kuwait beat Bangladesh 1-0. 
India’s super star Sunil Chhetri won their SAFF 2033 Most Valuable Player Award finishing as the tournament’s highest scorer with five goals. and Best Goal Keeper Anisur Rahan Zico. 
Sri Lanka could not participate because of the FIFA ban resulting in SAFF Cup organizers inviting Kuwait and Lebanon.