Goalless draw at Saltlake Stadium, India and Kuwait both played out a thrilling match but failed to open up the scoreline. Going by the results of the match, it becomes very difficult for both India and Kuwait to qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. In front of a packed stadium, with 58,921 fans cheering, Sunil Chhetri played his final match for India.
Kuwait started their game at 5′ minute with a charming shot from Mohammed Abdulah, but it was denied by Indian wall Gurpreet with an amazing save. India had their first chance at 12′ minute but Anwar Ali failed to make it one from Anirudh Thapa’s corner kick.
In the second half Rahim Ali came as a substitution at 46’min missed a goal he couldn’t convert an open one to one opportunity to get the opening lead for India. The match witnessed two debutants making their mark, Jay Gupta and Edmund, following a five-year hiatus, Edmund becomes the lone player from the i League to get a chance at the national team.
In the end of the game when the Indian players and team officials gave him a guard of honour to the tunnel captain Sunil Chhetri got emotional. In a warm gesture, each one of Kuwait’s players and officials also show their respect to the legend. Sunil Chhetri felicitated by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey after Kuwait game.
Some top-notch defending and fine saves reduced the contest to a goalless one. With the draw, India remain in second place with five points, and kuwait stay alive with four points. India will have the eyes on Qatar’s victory over Afghanistan, and a draw between Kuwait and Afghanistan.
With an unacceptable and emotional end our captain leader legend end his glorious 19 years journey and left the field on 6th June at kolkata. India will play their last match against Qatar in FIFA World Cup qualifiers 2026 on 11th June Tuesday in Qatar.
