Indians held to their 2nd draw; medal hopes in jeopardy

Colombo, Aug 16 (UNI) India's medal hopers in football suffered a serious jolt after the fancied under-20 side was held to a 1-1 draw by a lowly Nepal in the 10th SAF games at Sugathadasa Stadium here this evening.

Sushil Kumar Singh's 70th minute strikle put the Indians ahead in the pool B match but Nepal equalised within 10 minutes when Santosh Shahukhala converted a penalty.

The Indians were held to goalless draw by Afghanistan in their previous match and the side now play Bangladesh in their last pool match on Aug 19.

It was an ugly game by two equally bad sides and the forwards proved goal shy as they wasted opportunities galore on the either side of the break.

Minor scuffles broke out towards the end and two players, one from each side, were given marching orders.

India's goal came off a corner kick which saw Lal Kamal Bhowmik's poor go at the goal being partially cleared before it reached Sushil. From the top of the box, Sushil unleashed a powerful left-footer that crashed into the net past a bewildered Nepal defence and custodian Ridesh Thapa.

The Indians could not hold on to the lead for long. Santosh's powerful strike touched Indian defender's hand and the referee awarded them spot kick which Santosh converetd.

UNI AY DH DB2011