India under-23 held by
Singapore in LG Cup

India's under-23 Asian Games probables were held to a 2-2 draw by Singapore's under-23 side in their opening match in the LG Cup football tournament, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Friday.

India took an early lead when Singapore defender Mohammed Faizal put the ball into his own goal after just three minutes. However, the Singapore boys were able to turn the match around, with Aliff Shafaein Saffie levelling the score before Ashrin Bin Shaffif gave them a 2-1 lead at half-time.

K Ajayan scored India's second goal after the break, and although there were numerous chances for the Indians to clinch the issue, their strikers Joe Paul Ancheri and S Venkatesh were unable to capitalise on the opportunities that came their way.

India's coach Stephen Constantine slammed his strikers for their poor finishing, saying they will have to be more efficient in front of goal for the team to make it to the semi-finals.

"We dominated the proceedings but failed to convert the chances that came our way. We should have won the match," he Constantine.

In the day’s other match, hosts Vietnam defeated Indonesian side Petrokimia 3-1.

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