India Send Sunil Chhetri into Retirement with Dull Draw with Kuwait, Putting World Cup Qualifier Hopes in Peril

India Send Sunil Chhetri into Retirement with Dull Draw with Kuwait, Putting World Cup Qualifier Hopes in Peril

The Indian Express

India’s legendary captain, Sunil Chhetri, bid farewell to international football with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Kuwait in their final 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday, leaving their qualification for the next round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers hanging in the balance.

The match, held at the Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium, was a drab affair that encapsulated India’s struggles in the tournament. Chhetri, making his 131st and final international appearance, failed to find the back of the net, while Kuwait’s Fahad Al Rashidi scored a late equalizer to deny India a morale-boosting win.

India had taken the lead in the 29th minute through a penalty converted by Anwar Ali. However, they failed to capitalize on their advantage and allowed Kuwait to control the possession. The hosts eventually found their equalizer in the 92nd minute through Al Rashidi, sending the Indian players and fans into despair.

The result leaves India in second place in Group A with 6 points from 5 matches, two points behind Kuwait. Only the top team in each group will automatically qualify for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers. India will now have to rely on other results to progress.

Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football. The 38-year-old striker is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 85 goals and has played a pivotal role in India’s recent resurgence. His departure will be a significant loss for the team.

India’s hopes of qualifying for the next round now rest on the results of the other matches in the group. If Kuwait fails to win their last match against Jordan, India could still qualify as the best second-placed team across all groups. However, they will need to improve their goal difference to stand a chance.

The draw against Kuwait is a disappointing end to Chhetri’s illustrious career. However, the Indian team will be hoping to honor his legacy by securing a place in the next round of the World Cup qualifiers.