The Indian mens football team faces heartbreak in third-pace match of the Kings Cup football tournament on Sunday. Centre-back A Kassem El Zeins late strike off a bicycle kick guided Lebanon to a 1-0 victory over India. Both teams made many attempts after a goalless first half, but India survived a close call in the 48th minute when goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh pulled off a save.As it happenedIn the 64th minute, India almost lost the game due to a terrible defensive error, but Gurpreet sprinted out just in time to whisk the ball away. Brandon Fernandes, who was under a lot of pressure, was able to provide a flawless pass in the 69th minute. Rahul KP ran hard for the ball and attempted to pass it, but Lebanons goalkeeper Khalil sprinted out to safely intercept it.Lallianzuala Chhangte and Nikhil Raj demonstrated slick cooperation in the 79th minute, giving India an opportunity when Chhangte cut inside and fired a goal-bound shot. The endeavor, however, failed miserably.In the 90th minute, Brandon Fernandes stepped up to take a free kick from the right, but his shot was quickly cleared away by the Lebanon defence.Heartbreak in semi-finalsIndia were robbed of victory following a debatable penalty in the semifinal against Iraq, which they lost 4-5 in the penalty shootout. At the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Thursday, the Indian mens football team faced Iraq in the Kings Cup 2023 semifinals. The game ended 5-4 on penalties for Iraq.The match was decided by penalties when the scores were tied at 2-2 at the end of regulation time because the competition does not allow for extra time. Indias seventh defeat to Iraq in eight games came as a result of Brandon Fernandes missed penalty kick.
