Malsawmfela scored in the 42th and 50th minutes, while Lalrindika Ralte added a third in the 65th minute at the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Stadium to put it across a team which had won their first three matches in Group ‘C’.

With just one match left for the six teams in the group, India have 10 points from four games and are second behind Iraq on goal difference. Saudi Arabia have nine points.

India play their final group match on Wednesday against Bhutan, who have lost all their matches so far, and should be favourites to seal a place in next year’s main tournament.

The Himalayan kingdom lost 1-4 to Lebanon, while Iraq beat Sri Lanka 7-0. A draw should be enough for India to go through.

Another factor in India’s favour is that Saudi Arabia and Iraq will face off in the final pool match and one team is bound to lose points from the game.

AFC delegation

Meanwhile, a delegation of the AFC is in India to explore possibilities for Indian clubs being part of the restructured AFC Champions League starting from 2009.

The AFC has formed a Pro League Ad-Hoc Committee to promote and further develop professional football in the continent by undertaking major reform in Asia’s premier club competition.