India, 27 December 2025 — The Indian national football team secured a spot in the SAFF Championship 2025 final after defeating Nepal 2-1 in the semi-final match held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Sunil Chhetri and Sahal Abdul Samad each scored a goal for India, while Anjan Bista netted for Nepal.
The match saw a strong performance from the Indian team, with Chhetri opening the scoring in the 23rd minute, followed by Samad's decisive goal in the 65th minute. Nepal's Bista narrowed the margin in the 78th minute, but India held on to their lead.
The SAFF Championship, or South Asian Football Federation Championship, is a key tournament in the region, featuring teams from South Asia. India's entry into the final marks a significant achievement as the team aims for its ninth SAFF Championship title.
The final match is set to take place on 30 December 2025, where India will face Kuwait, who advanced to the final after defeating Bangladesh in the other semi-final. This will be the first time India meets Kuwait in a SAFF Championship final.
The SAFF Championship is a crucial platform for South Asian teams to showcase their talents on an international level. India's consistent performance in the tournament underscores its dominance in the regional football scene.
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