King's Cup 2023: Lebanon clinched the third spot by defeating India 1-0 in a close encounter

Indian Football Team leaves Thailand empty-handed as Kassem El Zein's goal gave Lebanon a 1-0 victory over India. The Cedars came in third place in the competition while India finished last. The Blue Tigers' terrible performance in the King's Cup 2023 continues as they lost their second game in a close encounter.

Read Also: India vs Lebanon, King's Cup 2023 Playoff match preview: India look to move on from the last match and focus on Lebanon challenge

India lost to Iraq in the first match despite playing a decent game. it wasn't enough obviously as they ended up as the losing side. The Blue Tigers scored two goals but conceded the same. As a result, the game went to penalties where India lost the game by 4-5 to the dangerous Iraq side.

King's Cup 2023: Lebanon vs India - What happened in the match?

In the game against Lebanon, The Blue Tigers didn't look confident. The Cedars enjoyed possession and dominated the game. In the 64th minute, Akash's backpass to Gurpreet was horribly under-hit and Darwich looked to pounce on the loose ball and score the opener. But, Gurpreet read the danger and came out to make a solid clearance. As the match progressed toward the end, it could have been anyone's match but the Lebanese players gave their all to produce the late winner.

The goal came from a corner. Al-Haj delivered a brilliant ball inside the box. Sabra jumped over everyone to get a header away at goal, which was saved excellently by Gurpreet. The rebound, however, fell to Al Zein, who found the net with a bicycle kick to give Lebanon a late lead. That was a striker's finish by the centre-back. The Indian players protested for possible offside but the goal stood.

India didn't let their heads down and tried for a late equalizer but they couldn't break the Lebanese defence. India came close towards the end when Chhangte lobbed in a brilliant cross from the right flank, to find Rohit Kumar at the far post. Khalil came off his line to collect but could not. All Kumar had to do was head the ball on target but he failed to do so. Lebanon kept their lead and clinched the third spot.

"Of course, we are disappointed we didn't win. We dominated the whole match. I need to see the goal again, If it was offside, it's a joke. Last game, it was never a penalty. IF this one is offside, it's a joke. I hope it's onside because if it's not, it's a horrendous decision...."

- Sandesh Jhingan

India vs Lebanon Starting XI:

India XI:

• Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Asish Rai, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mahesh Singh Naorem

Lebanon XI:

• Mehdi Khalil (GK), Al Tneich, Nader Matar, Jihad Ayoub, Hassan Saad, Walid Shour, Maher Sabra, Bassel Jradi, Abdallah Moughrabi, Kassem El Zein, Mohamad Haidar (C)