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AFC Challenge Cup: India Youngsters Go Down To Ten-Man Kyrgyzstan
Poor start to the U-23 side...
17-Feb-2010 5:56:00 PM
Goal.com India
In what was an opportunity missed, especially in the second half, India U-23 went down 2-1 to Kyrgyzstan in Colombo on Wednesday, despite the opposition playing with ten men for almost 45 minutes. Kyrgyzstan had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, and while India got one back in the 59th minute from the penalty spot, it was mere consolation in the end.
As expected, India started with Karanjit Singh in goal, while Baljit Sahni slotted into midfield, partnering Jewel Raja in the center. Sushil Kumar and Balwant Singh formed the strike partnership, as India looked to seize the initiative.
The game began at a high tempo, with both sides looking to force the pace, and Kyrgyzstan had the first real attempt on goal just inside ten minutes, as Zemlianuhin fired in a powerful shot from distance, which tested Karanjit. India responded soon, as Jibon Singh went for goal from long range too, but couldn't cause the Kyrgyzstan keeper a problem.
India chose to go to the Challenge Cup without Arindam Bhattacharya, and the decision reared its ugly face in the 15th minute, as some iffy goalkeeping from Karanjit gifted the first goal away.
Kaleutin's low shot from the edge of the area looked like a comfortable save, but the JCT goalie spilled it straight into Ildar Amirov's path, who slotted home to give Kyrgyzstan the lead.
There was no respite for the Indians, as the lead was doubled just after the half hour mark, when the dangerous Zemlianuhin finished past Karanjit, thanks to some hesitant defending. A long ball forward wasn't attacked by none of the defenders, and Ravanan allowed it to bounce, letting in Zemlianuhin, who took a touch and finished well.
Joaquim Abranches, who started on the right flank, almost came up with a fitting response two minutes later, but his powerfully-struck low drive was tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Vladislav Volkov. Karanjit got his composure back just before half time, as he did well to tip over a dipping shot from Amirov.
The second half began with a big moment, as Kyrgyzstan were reduced to 10 men just two minutes into play. It was the skipper Bokoev who was given marching orders, for using his elbow to fend off Baljit Sahni.
Just inside the hour mark then, India found their lifeline, as Rustem Usanov handled the ball inside the area, and right back Denzil Franco stepped up to convert the penalty, which had to be taken twice following player encroachment.
India piled on the pressure thereafter, and skipper Sushil Kumar forced a good save out of Volkov, as he struck a rising shot which threatened to sneak in below the bar.
Abranches had a glorious opportunity with five minutes remaining as well, but he fired over the bar from inside the box, with just the keeper to beat.
It's a poor start for Sukhwinder Singh and his lads, who will now have to produce some sort of a result against Turkmenistan on Friday.
Goalscorers:
India - Denzil Franco (59' pen)
Kyrgyzstan - Ildar Amirov (15'), Anton Zemlianuhin (32')
As expected, India started with Karanjit Singh in goal, while Baljit Sahni slotted into midfield, partnering Jewel Raja in the center. Sushil Kumar and Balwant Singh formed the strike partnership, as India looked to seize the initiative.
The game began at a high tempo, with both sides looking to force the pace, and Kyrgyzstan had the first real attempt on goal just inside ten minutes, as Zemlianuhin fired in a powerful shot from distance, which tested Karanjit. India responded soon, as Jibon Singh went for goal from long range too, but couldn't cause the Kyrgyzstan keeper a problem.
India chose to go to the Challenge Cup without Arindam Bhattacharya, and the decision reared its ugly face in the 15th minute, as some iffy goalkeeping from Karanjit gifted the first goal away.
Kaleutin's low shot from the edge of the area looked like a comfortable save, but the JCT goalie spilled it straight into Ildar Amirov's path, who slotted home to give Kyrgyzstan the lead.
There was no respite for the Indians, as the lead was doubled just after the half hour mark, when the dangerous Zemlianuhin finished past Karanjit, thanks to some hesitant defending. A long ball forward wasn't attacked by none of the defenders, and Ravanan allowed it to bounce, letting in Zemlianuhin, who took a touch and finished well.
Joaquim Abranches, who started on the right flank, almost came up with a fitting response two minutes later, but his powerfully-struck low drive was tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Vladislav Volkov. Karanjit got his composure back just before half time, as he did well to tip over a dipping shot from Amirov.
The second half began with a big moment, as Kyrgyzstan were reduced to 10 men just two minutes into play. It was the skipper Bokoev who was given marching orders, for using his elbow to fend off Baljit Sahni.
Just inside the hour mark then, India found their lifeline, as Rustem Usanov handled the ball inside the area, and right back Denzil Franco stepped up to convert the penalty, which had to be taken twice following player encroachment.
India piled on the pressure thereafter, and skipper Sushil Kumar forced a good save out of Volkov, as he struck a rising shot which threatened to sneak in below the bar.
Abranches had a glorious opportunity with five minutes remaining as well, but he fired over the bar from inside the box, with just the keeper to beat.
It's a poor start for Sukhwinder Singh and his lads, who will now have to produce some sort of a result against Turkmenistan on Friday.
Goalscorers:
India - Denzil Franco (59' pen)
Kyrgyzstan - Ildar Amirov (15'), Anton Zemlianuhin (32')
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