The Indian football team lost 2-4 against Iraq in the opening match of the AFC U-20 Championship Group H Qualifier here.
The match’s first goal came in the second minute on Friday, when Iraq scored from the outside of their boot via a curling effort from Abdulrazzaq Qasim.
India looked to respond quickly, as both Gurkeerat Singh and Taisan Singh made repeated threats to the opponent’s defence within a few minutes, but were brought down with fouls.
The pressure paid off in the 22nd minute, as Gurkeerat scored with a timely shot when Vibin Mohanan played into Tyson, who put it on a plate for the forward.
Gurkeerat turned from scorer to provider in the 33rd minute as he essayed a good through the pass, with Mahesan Singh applying the finishing touches with a dink on the goalkeeper.
Zahid Bukhari gave the Indians relief as he denied attempts by Ashar Ali and Abood Rabah, and Amandeep stopped Haider Toffee in his tracks with a fine tackle in the 40th minute.
The second half began with India making the first chance as the Iraq goalkeeper saved Himanshu Jangra’s header five minutes after the break.
However, Haider Toffee nodded in a cross from the left to pull things back for Iraq just a minute later.
Zahid scored another brilliant goal in the 62nd minute by saving a powerful shot from Abdul Razzaq. But a minute later, Sadiq Shaheen overtook the Indian defence to score and give his team the lead.
The Iraqi side extended their advantage in the 71st minute when Azad Kalauri’s cross took a deflection from Bikash Yumnam and went into the net.