NEW DELHI: India's 2026
FIFA World Cup Qualifier
against
Kuwait
ended in a disappointing goalless draw, failing to provide a fitting farewell for the talismanic
Sunil Chhetri
in his last international match.
The result leaves India in a challenging position to progress to the third round of the qualifiers, with only five points collected so far. India's final match is against Asian champions Qatar on June 11, while Kuwait, with four points, will face Afghanistan on the same day.
Chhetri's international career spans an impressive 19 years, during which he scored 94 goals, making him the fourth most prolific scorer in international football, behind Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (128), Iran legend Ali Daei (108) and Argentine wizard Lionel Messi (106).
This remarkable achievement is particularly noteworthy for a player from a country like India, and FIFA recognised Chhetri's legendary status upon his announcement of international retirement on May 16.
Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, with a capacity of 68,000, was packed with fans, officials, and former players who came to bid an emotional adieu to Chhetri.
His parents, Kharga and Sushila, and wife,
Sonam Bhattacharya
, were also in attendance. Although Chhetri's international career has come to an end, he will continue playing club football for
Bengaluru FC
in the Indian Super League for another two years, as per his current contract.
Chhetri's debut match against Pakistan on June 12, 2005, in Quetta ended in a 1-1 draw, with the striker scoring in his first international appearance.
However, he was unable to find the back of the net in his final match, which also ended in a draw, and had little impact on the game overall.
Chhetri, the Indian captain, bid farewell to the national team after his 151st match, taking a lap of honour around the packed stadium with folded hands as the crowd chanted his name.
Kuwait, who had previously suffered a 0-1 defeat to India at home, showed significant improvement in their performance. The first half was action-packed, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the back of the net.
The crowd remained engaged, chanting "Sunil, Sunil" and "Vande Mataram" throughout the match.
Kuwait's best chance in the first half came in the fourth minute when Eid Al-Rashidi set up Daham with a perfect through ball. However, Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a crucial save to deny Mohammad Daham.
India responded in the 11th minute with Liston Colaco's low cross, but Hasan Alanezi's sliding clearance prevented Chhetri from scoring his 95th goal.
Debutant Jay Gupta was involved in the action, delivering a sublime low cross from the left in the 25th minute, but the Kuwait defense cleared it for a corner. India failed to capitalize on a freekick in the 28th minute, despite Poojary's impressive run and nutmeg.
At the halfway mark, Thapa sent a fantastic ball into the box, which Kuwait cleared to deny Sahal Abdul Samad. The rebound fell to Liston Colaco, who fired a low strike into the side netting from a narrow angle.
In the second half, Igor Stimac made changes to India's attacking lineup, introducing Rahim Ali, Brandon Fernandes, and Chheri. However, the desired result was not achieved, as Rahim failed to convert his chances.
Kuwait's frustration peaked in the 74th minute when they were denied a penalty claim, leading to a confrontation between players and bench.
Replays suggested a foul, but the referee deemed otherwise. Tempers flared up after a challenge on Indian debutant Edmund, resulting in a mini-brawl and yellow cards for both Edmund and Sultan Alenezi.
Despite the tension, Edmund rallied the crowd's support with a free-kick opportunity, but Brandon Fernandes' poor delivery meant India's last hope for a win disappeared in the added seven minutes.
Stimac handed left-back Gupta his international debut in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Chhetri as the sole striker. Gupta had only made his league debut for FC Goa in the Indian Super League a few months prior.
(With PTI inputs)
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