Updated 29th September
Asian Games 2023 Football: India vs. Saudi Arabia Results, Date, Venue, Head-To-Head & Updated Points Table. India faced the Asian heavyweights Saudi Arabia in the Round of 16 match of the Asian Games 2023. India came into the knockouts on the back of some solid performances in the group stage. Saudi Arabia won the Round of 16 match by a 2-0 margin against a spirited Indian team. Although Saudi was the favorite at the start of the game, no one was writing off India as they were capable of causing an upset against any team in the world. However, this was not to be, and with the defeat India’s football campaign ended at the Asian Games 2023.
Result of India vs. Saudi Arabia at Asian Games 2023
Saudi Arabia defeated India in the Round of 16 encounter courtesy of two back-to-back goals from Marran just into the second half. India had resolutely defended in the first half and the game was evenly poised at 0-0 into halftime. Saudi’s midfield and forwards were trying their best to breach Indian defenses but to no avail. It took a spectacular out-of-the-box free-kick effort which the goalkeeper managed to keep out.
After half-time, Saudi Arabia changed their attack strategy and it immediately bore fruit as Marran scored to give them the lead in the 51st minute. Just 6 minutes later, Marran scored again to extend the lead and close the doors for India.
Final Score
India 0 – 2 Saudi Arabia
Marran 51’ 57’
Key Highlights of India vs. Saudi Arabia at Asian Games 2023
Let’s take a close look at the key highlights of the game:
13’ The first real chance of the game came from Saudi Arabia and Musab-Al-Juwayr’s shot whizzed past the Indian goalkeeper’s outstretched hands.
14’ Sunil Chhetri gave India’s first shot on target but it was not a convincing strike and an easy save by a Saudi goalie.
16’ The first major chance for India was when Sunil Chhetri’s free-kick met Jhingan’s header which Saudi defenders cleared almost off the goal line. A big chance for India.
22’ Musab-Al-Juwayr hit a screamer from outside the box and it hit the woodwork. What an outstanding strike and so unlucky to miss out on a goal.
40’ The first real save from Dheeraj Singh. AL-Juwayr hits a solid free-kick which tested the Indian goalie who was up for it.
45’ India 0-0 Saudi Arabia (Half Time)
51’ Khalil Marran, the Al Nassr forward draws first blood and puts Saudi in the lead. Abu-Al-Shamat provided a delicious cross which Marran duly put away and Dheeraj had no chance.
57’ Maran scores the second goal and surely now it is too much for India. An accurate through pass and Marran was ready to kill the shot into the back of the net.
83’ Dheeraj makes another good save. Oh! Boy, this goalie was excellent today or else it would be much worse for India.
Full Time
India 0 -2 Saudi Arabia
Marran 51’ 57’
India’s Performance So Far at the Asian Games 2023: Analysis
Igor Stimac’s team performed satisfactorily in the games played so far. India started its campaign with a humiliating 1-5 defeat against the Chinese. Things were in control till the first half when India equalized China’s opening goal with a blistering strike from KP Rahul. However, India lost the plot in the second half to concede 4 goals and lose the match 1-5.
The second match against Bangladesh was a close contest as India’s neighbors resolutely defended and launched fierce counterstrikes. India had to dig deep to launch consistent attacks and also repel counterattacks. India heaved a sigh of relief when Miranda won a penalty in the 84th minute which Sunil Chhetri converted.
In the final game, India won an early spot kick which Chhetri converted. However, India was sloppy in the later half of the game cost them an equalizer. Overall, India showed promise of going deep into the tournament. Some tough encounters early on the group stage will help the team to get over their nerves and be more ready for the business end of the tournament.
Also Read: Asian Games 2023: Football And Tennis Achievements Of India At Asian Games: A Historic Overview
Group A Points Table
| Rank | Team | Matches Played | Won | Draw | Lost | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Goal Difference | Points |
| 1 | China | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 7 |
| 2 | India | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 4 |
| 3 | Myanmar | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 4 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 1 |
India VS Saudi Arabia H2H
India and Saudi Arabia have played each other 3 times and, on all occasions, Saudi has come out on top. Here is a list of previous meetings between India and Saudi Arabia:
- Saudi Arabia 1 – 0 India, 27th November 1982 Asian Games, New Delhi
- Saudi Arabia 3– 0 India, 16th August 2006, AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, New Delhi
- Saudi Arabia 7 – 1 India, 6th September 2006, AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, Riyadh
India will face the formidable task of defeating Saudi which has a clean slate record them. However, the Indian team has fresh faces who do not have any baggage of the past and can shock the best in the world.
Also Read: What Are The Chances Of Indian Men’s Football Team Winning Asian Games 2023?
Asian Games 2023 Group B Points Table
| Rank | Team | Matches Played | Won | Draw | Lost | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Goal Difference | Points |
| 1 | Iran | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | Saudi Arabia | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
| 3 | Vietnam | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 9 | -4 | 3 |
| 4 | Mongolia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 10 | -8 | 0 |
When and Where to Watch India vs. Saudi Arabia Round of 16 Match
The round-of-16 encounter between India and Saudi Arabia will take place on 28 September 2023 at the Huanglong Sports Stadium in Hangzhou, China. The match will start at 05:00 Pm (IST). You can watch the live broadcast of the match on Sony Sports Network and also on Sony Liv App.
