Philippines hold India

Philippines held hosts India 1-1 in an international friendly here at the lush-green Kanchenjunga Stadium on Friday.

After India skipper Sunil Chhetri gave India the lead in the 43rd minute, former Chelsea striker Phil Younghusband equalised a minute later to peg the hosts back immediately.
Chhetri’s goal also helped him emulate Bhaichung Bhutia’s tally of India’s highest ever goalscorer on 42 goals.

It was India who had the better of the exchanges in the first half after starting on a positive note.

Play was stretched to the wings and a flurry of attacks  followed even as Francis Fernandes and Clifford Miranda interchanged flanks.

India earned their first corner in the 28th minute but Richard in the visitors’ goal leaped highest to collect Clifford’s curler. Off the counter-attack, Philippines got their best chance but Younghusband fluffed his lines and Chhetri capitalised soon after.

From a Mehtab Hossain corner, Chhetri evaded his markers to head past Richard which sent the crowd into raptures. However, Younghusband soon found space and slotted the ball past Karanjit Singh to send both sides level at the break. 

Jeje Lalpekhlua had the opportunity to win it in injury time but he spurned the chance by heading over the bar.

Prior to the kick-off, a minute’s silence was observed to pay respect to all who died in Typhoon Haiyan in Philippines.