SPORTS: With the score tied at 1-1 after 120 minutes of play, hosts India won the SAFF Championships for the ninth time after defeating Kuwait 5-4 in a nail-biting penalty shootout on Tuesday.

After five rounds of penalty kicks the scoreline remained 4-4 and the sudden death rule was applied.

Mahesh Naorem scored but a diving India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved Khaled Hajiah’s shot to hand victory to the home side.

In the regulation time, Shabaib Al Khaldi had put Kuwait in the lead in the 14th minute before Lallianzuala Chhangte equalized in the 39th minute.

Defending champions India and Kuwait had also played out a 1-1 draw in their last group match.