India misses Bronze, beaten 0-2 by Nepal

Colombo, Aug 26 (UNI) Silver medallist in the last edition of the Games in Islamabad, Indian football team ended up outside the medal bracket in the 10th SAF Games after they were handed a 0-2 defeat by Nepal in the third place play-off match at the Police Park here today.

For Nepal, Jumanu Rai opened the account in the third minute, while Pradeep Maharjan completed the tally with a 17th minute strike.

India had drew 1-1 with the same side in their Pool A match earlier.

Indian forwards put up a pathetic display, while the otherwise solid defence looked immensely vulnerable and forwards from Nepal exploited that to end with the Bronze.

India had not settled into any rhythm before Jumanu Rai drew the first blood to unhinge India. The Zaidinmawia Hmar-led Indian under-20 team tried its best but just could not breach the Nepalese defence.

Sushil Singh tried every trick in his book but often found himself stranded alone. His forward partner and fellow Mohun Bagan player Lal Kamal Bhowmik ran around without any purpose and that did not help the team's cause.

And then came Pradeep Maharjan's goal that dashed whatever hopes India had of making a comeback in the side.

After striking two first half goals, Nepal defended well in the second half and India's ploy of playing with a striker up front and relying on counter-attacks didn't pay any dividend.

UNI AY PM RS1850