India loses 1-0 to Lebanon in King's Cup, misses third place
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Chiang Mai: India's hopes of securing third place in the King's Cup football tournament were dashed as they lost 1-0 to Lebanon.
Kaseem Al Zein scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, catching Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu off guard with an acrobatic back volley from close range.
Despite putting immense pressure on Lebanon's defense during the closing stages of the match, India failed to convert scoring opportunities. The Indian team tested Lebanon's defense throughout the game but struggled with decision-making in front of the goal.
Head coach Igor Stimac made several substitutions in the second half to bolster the attack, but India couldn't find the equalizer. The Lebanon defense held firm, denying India a clear view of the goal.
The defeat meant that India finished the tournament without a win.
In the semi-final, India lost to Iraq in a penalty shootout after a spirited 2-2 draw in regulation time. Despite creating chances and dominating possession, India couldn't find the back of the net in the third-place match against Lebanon.
Lebanon's victory secured them third place in the King's Cup, ending India's campaign in disappointment.