XtraTime Web Desk: In the semi-final of the 49th Kings Cup, despite leading twice, India faced defeat against the strong Iraq team in a penalty shootout, losing 5-4.
From the beginning of the first half, Iraq made attempts to score, dominating the ball possession. However, in the 16th minute of the match, India’s Nareem Mahesh scored a remarkable goal from a defense-splitting pass from Sahal. Iraq continued to press forward and, in the 28th minute, Sandesh Jhingan committed a foul inside the box, resulting in a penalty for Iraq. Feran Ali Karim successfully converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 by the end of the first half.
In the second half, in the 51st minute, India took the lead again due to a mistake by the Iraqi goalkeeper. Hasan couldn’t save Manvir’s shot, and India went ahead 2-1.
Both teams attempted to score goals throughout the second half, but neither could find the net, leading to a 2-1 victory for India. However, Iraq made a comeback by equalizing the score in the 80th minute with a penalty goal by Ayman Ghadban.
The match went into a penalty shootout, where Iraq emerged victorious with a 5-4 score, leaving India disappointed.
This result marks India’s exit from the King’s Cup, despite their efforts to advance in the tournament.