HYDERABAD - India held Tajikistan to a 1-1 draw in their Group A match of the AFC
Challenge Cup 2008 match played at Gachi Bowli Stadium on Friday.
Tajikistans Yusuf Rabiev opened the scoring in the 11th minute, substitute Bhutia
header was deflected into his own goal by Tajik Keeper Tuychiev Alisher in the 61st
minute.
The draw leaves India with four points following their 1-0 win over Afghanistan,
while Tajikistan were forced to settle for their second draw of the competition.
Tajikistan made an aggressive start and broke the deadlock against an India side
which had made six changes as Rabiev converted Davrondzhon Tukhtasunov's cross.
Following the early setback, India regrouped, and while Tukhtasunov and Rabiev
always posed a threat for Tajikistan, Samad Shohzukhurov and the India defence stood
firm.
And with half-time approaching, India stepped up their pressure and Sunil Chettri
had several chances, but could only fire straight at Tajikistan goalkeeper Alisher
Tuychiev.
India seized the initiative and took the challenge to Tajikistan as Bhutia saw his
shot skim past the post, while Dias free-kick agonisingly clipped the crossbar.
India goalkeeper Subrata Pal was forced to beat away strikes from Shohzukhurov and
Tukhtasunov in the closing stages, while the hosts survived a late scare as Rabiev
struck the upright as both sides were forced to settle for a point ahead of the
final group games on Sunday.
In the second match of the day Turkmenistan defeated Afghanistan 5-0.