Indian hopes recede with loss to Iran

The Indians could have scored in the very first minute but Bungo Singh missed a scoring opportunity.

India are virtually out of the Asian Games football event after being beaten by Iran 0-2 in their last group-D league match at the Al Sadd football stadium in Doha on Thursday.

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The Indians, who desperately needed a victory to stay in contention, played valiantly and held the strong Iranians at bay till the 78th minute before two late goals dashed their hopes of making further progress in the tournament barring a miracle.

Jalal Akbari Kelishadi fired in the first goal in the 78th minute before Arash Borhani sealed the fate of the Indians in the injury time with another goal.

It was a creditable performance by the Indians considering the fact that they went into the match without the services of their mercurial captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who had to sit out because of two yellow card bookings.

The Indians, who played with more purpose, managed to initiate a number of moves into the Iranian defence but lacked the finishing touch to pose much problems.

In the second half, forward Manjit Singh was guilty of muffing a simple chance much to the dismay of his teammates. Manjit had only the goalkeeper to beat, but unbelievably shot wide from a close distance.