India lose to Azerbaijan

The Indian football team failed to recover from an early goal and suffered a 0-3 defeat to Azerbaijan in its second international friendly match at the Rugby 7s stadium here on Monday.

India, who had lost to Oman 1-5 in their last match on Thursday, drew a blank while Nidirov Vugar (3rd minute), Mahir Shukurov (43rd) and Hasiyev Nizami (82nd) scored for Azerbaijan.

India once again conceded an early goal, in the third minute, when goalkeeper Subhasis Roychowdhury’s faulty clearance fell to a roving Vugar, who blasted it in from the top of the box.

The second goal came two minutes prior to the interval. This time, Shukurov was brought down inside the box by Raju Gaikwad, who was flashed the yellow card. Shukurov gleefully converted from the spot.

Nizami scored Azerbaijan’s third goal in the 82nd minute to seal the match.