India suffer 2-4 defeat against Tajikistan in Intercontinental Cup opener

A dysfunctional Indian defence crumbled into pieces in the second half as the home side squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 2-4 against Tajikistan in the opening match of Intercontinental Cup football tournament here Sunday.

Chhetri struck in the fourth and 41st minutes to give India a 2-0 lead at half time but the home side's inexperienced defence committed mistakes galore to let in four goals in the second half and cancel out the talismanic captain's fine efforts.

Tajikistan scored through Komron Tursunov (56th), Sheriddin Boboev (58th), Rahimov (71st) and Samiev (74th).

The match yet again showed that FIFA ranking has no relevance as India are ranked 101 while Tajikistan are 120.

India played without their seasoned central defender Sandesh Jhingan and his earlier long time partner Anas Edathodika, who was called out from retirement by head coach Igor Stimac, as he was not 100 per cent fit for the match.

Adil Khan and debutant Narender Gahlot, who manned the central defence, were found ...