India crowned Intercontinental Cup champions, beat Lebanon after a span of 46 years

Bhubaneshwar, June 19: It was a Super Sunday for all Indian sport fans! After shuttlers Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty became the first Indian pair to win Super 1000 title at Indonesia Open 2023, India sealed the Intercontinental Cup 2023 after overpowering Lebanon 2-0 in the final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

 

 

The Blue Tigers were put under some pressure in the first half, but showcased impressive resiliency to control the proceedings.

 

In what was the first-ever tournament for the Blue Tigers in the Odisha capital, the fans were treated to a fantastic spectacle over the course of four matches, where India did not concede any goals en route to reclaiming the title they last won in 2018.

 

 

Stimac's side did all the damage in the second half as Sunil Chhetri found the net almost immediately after the restart, getting on the end of an incisive Indian attack from the right. Hero of the Match Lallianzuala Chhangtethen doubled the advantage 20 minutes later with a simple tap-in.

 

In the second half, Sunil Chhetri finished off a slick team move in the 46th minute. Lallianzuala Chhangte then doubled the lead in the 65th minute to help India get their first win over Lebanon since 1977 and win the Hero Intercontinental Cup for the second time.

 

 

India XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam (Rohit Kumar 59'), Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad (Rahim Ali 72'), Ashique Kuruniyan (Naorem Mahesh Singh 59'), Sunil Chhetri (C) (Subhasish Bose 90'), Lallianzuala Chhangte (Nandhakumar Sekar 90').