JOIN USIn an enthralling encounter at the Dashrath Stadium, Mohammed Zaseen put Pakistan ahead in the 25th minute. India drew level through Daniel Lalhlimpuia at the stroke of half-time.
Pakistan took the lead again when Mohammed Mansoor scored early in the second half, a strike which eventually decided the fate of the match.
Earlier, India’s defence was slow to react as a Zaseen cross from the left proved too good for custodian Supratim Bhattacharya as it dipped into the far post. Lalhlimpuia restored parity scoring off a goal-mouth melee as both teams went to the breather with the scoreline reading 1-1.
But India were in for a shock as Mansoor sealed the deal for Pakistan off a corner four minutes from the change of ends. India desperately looked for an equaliser, but Pakistan’s defence stood firm.
“We could have done much better. Pakistan on the other hand played well and stuck to their task. We are certainly going home with lots of positives and these guys have played extremely well throughout the tournament,” said India coach Thomas Joseph.