how did kuwait lost to india in saff 2023

Kuwait didn’t lose in open play by a big margin; India beat Kuwait 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the SAFF Championship 2023 final finished 1-1 in 120 minutes. India’s assistant coach said superior fitness was a key factor, especially late in the match, and reports noted Kuwait struggled physically as the game wore on.

What happened

• Kuwait led 1-0 through Shabaib Al Khaldi in the 14th minute.

• India equalized through Lallianzuala Chhangte in the 39th minute.

• The score stayed 1-1 through extra time, so the title was decided on penalties.

Why India won

• India stayed calmer in the shootout and converted the decisive kicks.

• Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a crucial save in sudden death, which sealed the title for India.

• India’s camp credited better fitness and late-match resilience as the difference.

Simple takeaway

So the short answer is: Kuwait did not collapse badly; they were level with India after regulation and extra time, but India handled the penalty shootout better and finished stronger physically.