The Indian football team has been on the rise this season. The Blue Tigers were unbeaten at home in the three tournaments they played.
Sunil Chhetri & Co. have clinched the Intercontinental Cup 2023, before winning the SAFF Championship 2023.
With the all-important Asian Cup 2024 coming into view, the team has started taking on tougher assignments. The team is currently playing the Kings Cup 2023 in Thailand.
In the semi-final clash against Iraq, India went down in penalties. Despite holding Iraq 2-2 in regulation time, the Indian team lost 4-5 in the penalty shootout.
A goal from Mahesh Singh and an own-goal from Iraq's Hussein were not enough, as India conceded two goals from penalties in regulation time. Al Hamadi and Ghadhban proved decisive from the penalty spot for Iraq.
All is not yet over, as India will now compete for the third place at the Kings Cup. In this article, TSN gives you the latest update about India's next opponent in the Kings Cup 2023.
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Who is Indian football team playing next at the Kings Cup 2023?
After their loss to Iraq on Thursday, India will face Lebanon in the third-place playoff. The two teams will lock horns on September 10, Sunday. The match will kick-off at 4:00 p.m. (IST). India will face Lebanon for the fourth time since June 2023.
Recent Head-to-Head record between India and Lebanon
India faced Lebanon earlier this year at the Intercontinental Cup 2023, and then at the reverend SAFF Champioinship.
At the Intercontinental Cup, India played out a 0-0 draw in the Group Stage, before beating Lebanon 2-0 in the final to clinch the title.
In the SAFF Championship, the teams faced off at the semi-final stage. The scoreline ended 0-0 within regulation time, with India beating their opponent 4-2 on penalties.
Who will play in the 2023 Kings Cup Final?
After winning their respective semi-final clashes, Iraq and Thailand will fight for the coveted Kings Cup trophy. The summit clash will be played on September 10, Sunday at 7:00 p.m. (IST).
In the other semi-final, hosts Thailand beat Lebanon 2-1 within Full Time as captain Teerasil Dangda scorched the winner.
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Who is the coach of the Indian football team?
Igor Stimac is the current head coach of the Blue Tigers. The former Croatia International was appointed as the head coach in 2019, and his current contract with the AIFF runs until the upcoming 2023 Asian Cup, to be held in January 2024.
Indian squad for the Kings Cup 2023
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (C), Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Rohit Kumar, Ashique Kuruniyan, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Forwards: Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Rahul KP.
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How to watch Kings Cup from India?
The Kings Cup matches will be broadcast live on Eurosport, and streamed live on Fifa Plus TV.
