Dispute between Indian and Pakistani players (left) Dispute between Indian and Nepal players (right)
– Photo: Social Media
Expansion
In the SAFF Championship 2023, the Indian team is seen in excellent rhythm. After thrashing Pakistan 4-0 in the first match, India also beat Nepal 2-0. With two consecutive wins, Team India has reached the next round of this championship. However, the Indian team has been in a lot of controversies in this tournament. India has played two matches so far in the SAFF Championship 2023 and in both the matches, Indian players have been seen clashing with the opposition players.
In India’s first match, coach Stimac clashed with Pakistani players and was banned for one match. At the same time, in the second match, the Indian players got entangled with the players of Nepal.
Stimac in Action 😅 #indianfootball #SAFF2023 #SAFFChampionship #INDvsPAK #INDPAK full video :https://t.co/K1LFpPptfW pic.twitter.com/eV1MYgcgte
Manja Pranth (@RudraTrilochan) June 21, 2023
In the 64th minute of the match between India and Nepal, there was an argument between Rahul Bheke and Bimal Gharti Magar. Both the footballers went for a header on the ball together in the match and after that, Bheke attacked Magar and pushed him a bit. The incident evoked reactions from both the sides as all the players joined the debate. Eventually the referee had to intervene and after some time the situation was resolved and the match resumed.
Another fight, and now it’s between India and Nepal 🤣🤣#INDNEP #SAFFChampionship pic.twitter.com/ieGbQ1aV3F
— BumbleBee 軸 (@itsMK_02) June 24, 2023
India performed brilliantly in this match and defeated Nepal 2-0 to seal their place in the semi-finals. Chhetri (61st minute) scored his fourth goal of the tournament, followed by Mahesh Singh (70th minute) to hand the hosts their second successive win. Chhetri’s hat-trick helped India beat Pakistan 4-0 in their first match on Wednesday.
Chhetri (91 goals in 139 matches) is already the second highest goalscorer among Asian players behind Iran’s Ali Daei (109 goals in 148 matches) and third among active players in the world. He is the leading goal scorer among active Asian players.
In Group A, India and Kuwait have secured six points with two wins from two matches and both teams have reached the semi-finals. In their last league match, both the teams will face each other on June 27 and the winner of this group will be decided. After defeating Nepal in the first match, Kuwait defeated Pakistan 4–0 in the second match and secured their place in the semi-finals.