India staged a fine rally to hold Hong Kong to a 2-2 draw in a FIFA international friendly football match at the Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday.
The hosts went into early lead but India bounced back in the second half through strikes from Sayed Rahim Nabi and skipper Bhaichung Bhutia to draw level.
Hong Kong drew the first blood when Gerard Ambassa Guy scored a splendid goal in the third minute. The buoyed home side struck again in the 17th minute to increase their lead through Law Chun Bong.
After the twin setback, the Indians tried hard to bounce back with a goal but in vain.
Trailing 0-2 at the break, India were under pressure to open their account even as a strong crowd of 3,672 egged on their players to deny the Indians any ground.
India's efforts fructified in the 61st minute when Sayed Rahim Nabi scored off a superb shot to reduce the margin to 2-1.
Minutes after the visitors' first success in the match, Bhutia converted a penalty in the 67th minute.
However, with none of the two teams being able to break the deadlock, the match meandered into a draw.
{{/usCountry}}However, with none of the two teams being able to break the deadlock, the match meandered into a draw.
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