Santiago: Annu's brace went in vain as India lost 2-3 to Belgium in a closely-contested Pool C match to slump to their second consecutive defeat in the FIH Junior World Cup here on Saturday.
Annu (47th, 51st minutes) struck twice in a span of four minutes from a penalty corner and a penalty stroke to draw level after Belgium raced to a 2-0 lead through goals from Noa Schreurs (5th) and France de Mot (42nd).
But it was not to be India's day as Astrid Bonami scored the winner from a penalty stroke in the 52nd minute.
It was another heartbreaking loss for the Indians after they squandered a two-goal advantage to go down 3-4 to last edition's runners-up Germany on Thursday night.
The Indians, however, started their campaign on a resounding note, registering a 12-0 win over Canada.
India are currently placed second in Pool C with three points from three games. Belgium are atop the pool with an all-win record from three matches.
Germany will play Canada in the last match of the pool later in the day.
Published 02 December 2023, 15:35 IST