Despite not receiving a favourable result, the Indian team once again showed their might as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kuwait in the final Group A clash of the SAFF Championship 2023 on Tuesday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. 

However, as the game entered the final ten minutes, Stimac was shown a red card after an argument with referee Alomgir, the Croatian's second sending-off of the tournament. After arguing with the officials, the Indian Coach went to the stands to join the fans and witnessed the remaining game. 

Tempers continued to flare after Stimac's send off after Sahal Abdul Samad was fouled in the Kuwait half. As the West Asians deliberately obstructed a swift restart, tensions mounted, ultimately leading to a heated scuffle. Both  Hamad Al-Qallaf and Rahim Ali were handed red cards.

In a match of high drama, India took the lead through their talisman, Sunil Chhetri, seconds before half-time. After receiving the ball from a corner, Chhetri cleanly placed his shot in the back of the net with a side-footed volley from 12 yards out. 

However, an unfortunate own goal from Anwar Ali in second-half injury time put a heartbreaking end to India's hopes of topping the group.